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–+ servings
Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs: Sweet and Savory Holiday Delight

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a must-try appetizer that blends savory and sweet flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Pork Opt for 90-95% lean
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Fresh or dried
  • 1 large Egg Essential binding agent
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Can substitute fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Omit if using fresh onions
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Use canned whole or jellied
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Can substitute maple syrup
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Already in the meatballs
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce For umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Enhances sweetness

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  5. Meanwhile, combine the remaining cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a skillet over medium heat until it boils.
  6. Transfer the cooked meatballs into the skillet and stir to coat, simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, and season to taste before baking. These meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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