Christmas Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Meatballs are a festive, flavorful addition to your holiday table. These juicy, tender meatballs are seasoned with aromatic spices and coated in a rich, savory-sweet glaze that perfectly complements traditional holiday dishes. They are easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground allspice
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Glaze:

• Cranberry sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
2. Add ground meat, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
3. Form the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the glaze. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 meatballs
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Around 40 minutes

Variations

• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheesy Center: Add a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a cheesy surprise.
• Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy, festive flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and glaze separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t overcook the meatballs.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are heated through.

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Try lingonberry jam, red currant jelly, or a homemade berry compote.

Are these meatballs spicy?

They have a mild flavor, but you can adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too thick?

Add a splash of water or broth to thin it if necessary.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk alternative in place of regular milk.

What sides go well with Christmas Meatballs?

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles.

Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for larger batches.

Conclusion

Christmas Meatballs are a festive, flavorful dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Their juicy texture, rich glaze, and warm spices make them a hit with guests of all ages. Easy to prepare and versatile, these meatballs are sure to become a holiday favorite at your table.

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