Why Make This Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer that packs a protein punch while tantalizing your taste buds with their sweet and tangy flavor. The combination of jellied cranberry sauce and chili sauce creates a glossy, vibrant coating that enhances the succulent meatballs, whether you choose the freezer-friendly variety or whip up a homemade version. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it easy to prepare for holiday gatherings or cozy family meals. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that captures the spirit of the season!
How to Make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Making Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs is incredibly simple, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen. You can opt for store-bought frozen meatballs for a quick prep or create your own high-protein meatballs from scratch, tailored to your taste preference. Either way, the cooking process melds flavors, resulting in mouthwatering meatballs that are sure to impress your guests. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with the meat, making each bite a burst of holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce (1 can)
- 12 oz chili sauce (1 bottle, Heinz recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 64 oz frozen pre-cooked meatballs (2 bags, beef or turkey)
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef or ground turkey breast (93/7 or leaner, for homemade option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat, at room temperature, for homemade option)
- 2 large eggs (for homemade option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour (for homemade option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for meatballs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for meatballs)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for meatballs)
Directions:
In a large 12-inch skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. The sauce is ready when the cranberry sauce has fully melted, and the color is a uniform deep red with a syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
If using store-bought frozen meatballs, add both bags directly into the hot sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For homemade high-protein meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, room temperature Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Form into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
Transfer the baked homemade meatballs to the prepared sauce and let them simmer together for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meatballs. Transfer everything to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 4 meatballs):
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 22g
How to Serve Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Serve these enticing meatballs on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy serving. They make a delightful addition to any holiday spread, pairing well with cheese and crackers or alongside a fresh salad. You can also arrange them in a slow cooker on the warm setting, allowing guests to help themselves as they mingle. If you’re hosting a more formal gathering, consider pairing the meatballs with cocktail napkins and festive china for a more elegant presentation.
How to Store Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until they are heated through. If you want to store them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs – High Protein Holiday Appetizer
- For a kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Experiment with different types of meat—chicken or pork also work wonderfully.
- If you’re short on time, opt for store-bought meatballs; they offer a great base for busy hosts.
- Remember, don’t overmix your homemade meatball ingredients; this will keep them nice and tender.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the jellied cranberry sauce for a homemade cranberry relish for an added zing.
- Try adding spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat substitutes and ensure the sauces are vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh meat instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You can use fresh ground meats instead of frozen ones for homemade meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper temperature.
2. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal. They also go well as finger food at parties!
3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up when you’re ready to add the meatballs.
Conclusion
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are not just another appetizer; they are a versatile, delicious addition to your holiday menu that everyone will love. With their high protein content and captivating sweet-tangy sauce, they will leave a positive impression on your guests. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a new holiday tradition! Share your experiences and any creative twists you add to the recipe. Happy cooking!
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- If using frozen meatballs, add both bags directly into the hot sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, room temperature Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
- Transfer the baked homemade meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve on a festive platter with toothpicks or in a slow cooker on warm for self-serving.