Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Meatballs

These Cranberry Orange Meatballs are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer for holidays, parties, or casual gatherings. Bursting with citrusy flavor and a touch of sweetness from real cranberries, they are juicy, tender, and incredibly easy to prepare. With a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every bite, these meatballs are perfect served warm on a platter or paired with toothpicks for an elegant finger food display.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tangy cranberry-orange glaze pairs perfectly with savory meat
• Quick and easy to make from scratch
• Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or game day snacks
• Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated without losing flavor
• Crowd-pleasing appetizer or side for any occasion

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare Cranberry Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, orange zest, and soy or Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Coat Meatballs: Transfer baked meatballs to a serving bowl and pour the warm cranberry-orange glaze over them. Toss gently to coat.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra orange zest or fresh cranberries. Serve warm with toothpicks or on a platter as an appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Form meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Mini Meatballs: Make smaller ¾-inch meatballs for easy finger food.
• Spicy Option: Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper to the meat mixture or glaze for a subtle kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Sauce Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang in the glaze.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store cooked and glazed meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer (Meatballs Only): Freeze baked, unglazed meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.
• Sauce: The cranberry-orange glaze can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave before serving; toss with sauce for best flavor.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
• Offer a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping
• Garnish with fresh herbs, orange slices, or extra cranberries for a festive presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works beautifully. It’s leaner and absorbs the glaze well, giving the meatballs a tender texture. Adjust cooking time slightly if using lean turkey.

Can these meatballs be made in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown meatballs lightly first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Pour the cranberry-orange glaze over them and cook on low for 2–3 hours.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry-orange glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with meatballs.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Use a binding ingredient like breadcrumbs and egg, and gently form meatballs to ensure they hold together.

Ready to Make It?

These Cranberry Orange Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly festive for any occasion. Sweet, tangy, and easy to make, they are sure to be a hit at parties or family dinners. Save this recipe, serve it warm, and enjoy the compliments from everyone at your table.

You Might Also Like

• Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log – A creamy, festive cheese log with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios.
• Cranberry Orange Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies filled with tangy cranberries and bright citrus flavor, ideal for seasonal baking.
• Caramel Butterscotch Pound Cake – Moist and rich dessert for any occasion.
• White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies – Festive, minty, and colorful holiday treats.

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