Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry & Orange Sauce: A Festive Delight

Celebrate the holiday season with our savory and sweet Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry & Orange Sauce. Perfect for festive gatherings, these meatballs are a flavorful blend of seasonal ingredients that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Cost: $$

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These holiday meatballs are an ideal choice for holiday parties and family dinners. The tangy cranberry and orange sauce adds a refreshing twist, balancing the rich flavor of the meatballs perfectly. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a stress-free option for busy holiday schedules.

Context/Background

Cranberry and orange are classic holiday flavors that pair beautifully together. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional holiday dishes, combining familiar tastes with a modern twist to create an unforgettable addition to any festive menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meatball mixture, which can result in tough meatballs.
• Skipping the browning step, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Not simmering the sauce long enough for it to thicken adequately.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry & Orange Sauce

• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a tender texture.
• Bake meatballs on a wire rack to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking.
• Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon for extra warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or serve them on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. They also work well as a party appetizer on toothpicks.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce separately and combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g

Dietary Notes

• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
• Contains gluten, but can be modified for a gluten-free diet with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

The Recipe

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp grated orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and orange zest.
6. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let the sauce thicken for about 10 minutes.
7. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the sauce over them.
8. Garnish with extra orange zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Notes

• For a more pronounced orange flavor, add extra zest to the sauce.
• The meatball mixture can be prepared a day in advance.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #HolidayMeatballs on social media.

Questions and Answers

• Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, they freeze well. Just reheat them with the sauce when ready to serve.
• Can I double this recipe? Absolutely, simply adjust the ingredients accordingly.