Chef Mitchell preparing Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered this recipe during a festive dinner with family, where cranberry sauce was a staple. After several attempts to perfect the meatball texture and glaze, I finally achieved the right balance of flavors. Now, these meatballs make a regular appearance at our holiday celebrations. They never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face."

Chef Mitchell is an expert in American cuisine with a passion for creating easy yet impressive dishes. His experience in crafting over a thousand recipes has made him a sought-after culinary authority. He loves sharing his knowledge of classic comfort foods and innovative twists.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A close-up of succulent cranberry glazed meatballs garnished with fresh parsley, served on a festive platter.

Why This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs Recipe Works

This Cranberry Glazed Meatballs recipe stands out due to its perfect harmony of flavors. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce paired with savory meat creates a delightful balance that excites the palate. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a layer of richness that elevates these meatballs beyond the ordinary. Plus, this recipe is designed for simplicity, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

The flavor profile is a delightful contrast of sweet and savory, with a juicy texture that melts in your mouth. Baking the meatballs helps to lock in moisture while achieving a perfect golden-brown exterior. The quick glaze brings everything together in just a few minutes, making it a practical choice for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For perfectly tender meatballs, be sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Also, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain their juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them uncooked. When ready to serve, simply bake them from frozen and glaze as directed. This saves time on the day of your event.

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground pork. These options provide a leaner alternative while still maintaining great flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as lean meats may cook faster.

Baking is the best method as it allows for even cooking and browning without excess oil. However, you can also pan-fry the meatballs for a different texture, but monitor closely to avoid burning.

To prevent meatballs from falling apart, ensure you use enough binder, like breadcrumbs or eggs. Also, handle the mixture gently and avoid overmixing. Letting the meatballs rest before cooking can also help.

Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can also check for a firm texture and no longer pink center to ensure they are fully cooked.

These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, serve them with a side of cranberry relish or sauces.

Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water in the microwave to prevent drying out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dry Meatballs

Problem: If your meatballs turn out dry, it might be due to overcooking or using lean meat.

Solution: Try mixing in a bit of milk or more egg for moisture. Additionally, ensure you are not cooking them for too long.

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Too Saucy

Problem: If the sauce is too runny, it won't cling to the meatballs well.

Solution: Simmer the sauce longer to thicken it, or mix in a little cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency.

✅

Lack of Flavor

Problem: If your meatballs lack flavor, it may be due to insufficient seasoning.

Prevention: Ensure to taste the meat mixture before cooking and adjust seasoning as necessary. Adding more herbs or spices can enhance flavor.

✅

Burnt Meatballs

Problem: If meatballs are burnt on the outside, they might have been cooked at too high a temperature.

Recovery: Lower the oven temperature and cook for a slightly longer time to achieve a nice golden brown without burning.

✅

Meatballs Sticking to the Pan

Problem: Sticking can occur if the baking sheet is not lined or greased.

Prevention: Always use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If the meatballs are too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, try adding diced potatoes to absorb some saltiness or serve with a side dish that has no salt.

Bland: If the meatballs taste bland, consider adding more spices or herbs to the mix before cooking.

A display of fresh ingredients for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs, including ground meats, breadcrumbs, and cranberry sauce.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor. Choose fresh ground meats from a reputable source and opt for real Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated substitutes. Fresh herbs add brightness, while a quality cranberry sauce will elevate the overall taste of the dish.

When preparing the ingredients, ensure everything is measured accurately. Fresh parsley should be chopped finely to release its flavor, and breadcrumbs should be fresh or toasted for added texture. Taking these small steps will significantly enhance the final result.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Use a good quality ground beef with at least 80% lean content for moist and flavorful meatballs. Avoid overly lean options as they can dry out during cooking.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Opt for cranberry sauce that has minimal additives for a more authentic taste. Homemade sauce can be a great choice if you want a fresher flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers better flavor and texture than pre-shredded varieties. Look for cheese that is aged for a deeper taste.
A step-by-step image showing the process of making Cranberry Glazed Meatballs, including mixing, shaping, and glazing.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The cooking process for Cranberry Glazed Meatballs is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Browning the meatballs in the oven creates a savory crust, while simmering in the sauce infuses them with flavor. It's important to monitor the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

Achieving the right texture requires patience. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Visually, they should be golden brown and firm to the touch, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

The Secret to Perfect Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

The key to perfect meatballs lies in balancing moisture and texture. By combining different meats and incorporating binders like breadcrumbs, you achieve a juicy interior with a satisfying bite. Allowing them to glaze briefly in sauce enhances their flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
    Provides sweetness and tartness
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Adds umami and depth
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    Enhances sweetness and caramelization
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    Adds a tangy kick

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
    Provides rich flavor and texture
  • 1 lb ground pork
    Adds moisture and depth
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    Acts as a binder for meatballs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds richness and flavor
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    Provides freshness and color
  • 1 egg
    Binds the mixture together
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    Enhances overall flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    Adds a hint of spice

Instructions

  1. Mix Meatball Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

  2. Form Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

  3. Bake Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

  4. Prepare the Sauce

    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is heated through and well blended.

  5. Glaze the Meatballs

    Once the meatballs are done baking, place them in the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Toss gently to coat each meatball thoroughly.

  6. Simmer for Flavor

    Allow the glazed meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  7. Serve Warm

    Transfer the cranberry glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

  8. Enjoy Your Appetizer

    Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice for a delightful meal. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them uncooked. When ready to serve, simply bake them from frozen and glaze as directed.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, serve them with a side of cranberry relish or sauces.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist or using ground turkey for a lighter option. Customize the glaze with different fruit preserves for varied flavors.