Jolly Holiday Meatball Magic: A Festive Christmas Recipe

Festive holiday gatherings call for something special, and these irresistible christmas meatballs pack a punch of flavor that will delight every guest.

Tender, juicy, and bursting with seasonal herbs, these meatballs bring warmth to your table.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of savory spices and rich textures.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down culinary secrets through family celebrations.

The combination of ground meats, carefully selected herbs, and a secret sauce creates an unforgettable dish.

Perfectly browned and served with a tangy glaze, these meatballs will be the star of your holiday spread.

Prepare to wow your loved ones with this mouthwatering recipe that turns a simple meal into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 6

Christmas Meatballs Ingredient Snapshot

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful base that provides hearty texture and classic meatball substance, choose lean cuts for best results.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and extra depth to the meatball, select fresh ground pork with moderate fat content for juiciness.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold meatballs together and prevents them from becoming dense, use fresh or dried breadcrumbs for optimal consistency.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder that keeps ingredients cohesive and prevents crumbling during cooking.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds tenderness to the meatball mixture, whole milk works best for richness.

• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic base, finely mince for even distribution throughout the mixture.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, punchy flavor that complements the meat's richness, fresh minced garlic offers most intense taste.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out meat's natural flavors, use kosher or sea salt for best seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground pepper provides more vibrant taste.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh, bright herbaceous note and beautiful green speckles, choose fresh parsley for maximum flavor.

Cooking Tools for Holiday Meatball Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meat and seasonings thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Needed for even cooking and collecting meatballs during baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Meat thermometer: Optional but helpful to check internal meat temperature.
• Hands: Best tool for gently mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.

Make Christmas Meatballs Everyone Will Love

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F and ready a baking sheet with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.

• Create the Meat Mixture

Dive into a big bowl and blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Use your hands to mix gently, keeping the texture light and airy.

• Craft Delicious Spheres

Roll the meaty blend into perfect little globes about the size of a golf ball. Nestle these tasty orbs onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the hot oven and let the meatballs sizzle and transform for 18-20 minutes. They’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through – no pink in sight!

Flavor Tips for Festive Meatball Success

• Prepare meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator, saving precious time during holiday cooking.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing flavor.
• Add a splash of beef broth or grated onion to the meat mixture to keep meatballs extra juicy and prevent them from becoming dry during baking.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals or unexpected guests.
• Experiment with adding grated parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, or finely chopped sage to give these Christmas meatballs a festive twist that'll impress your guests.

How to Serve Holiday Meatballs Right

• Festive Plating Paradise: Arrange meatballs on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for a stunning holiday presentation.
• Sauce Companion Delight: Serve with creamy lingonberry sauce or traditional Swedish gravlax sauce for an authentic Christmas flavor explosion.
• Side Dish Symphony: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates winter comfort.
• Leftover Trick: Transform remaining meatballs into delicious sandwiches or chop and mix into pasta for a quick next-day lunch that keeps the holiday spirit alive.

Save and Reuse Christmas Meatballs Easily

• Keep Your Christmas Meatballs Fresh
• Cooked meatballs stay delicious for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers. Place them in single layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual meatballs or batches tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll maintain peak flavor for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Oven method works great at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
• Make meatballs in advance and refrigerate uncooked mixture for 24 hours. This technique allows flavors to meld and creates more tender, tasty results when baking.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs good for meal prep?

Yes, these Christmas meatballs can be prepared ahead of time. You can make them in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when needed. They stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

• Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! These meatballs freeze excellently. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• What type of meat works best for this recipe?

The combination of ground beef and ground pork creates the best flavor and texture. The beef provides richness, while the pork adds moisture and extra tenderness to the meatballs.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through. The golden-brown exterior is also a good indicator of doneness.

Festive Christmas Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Swedish Christmas Meatballs blend traditional Nordic flavors with holiday comfort. Tender, seasoned beef and pork mingle with a creamy lingonberry sauce, inviting you to savor festive culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 0.5 lb (225 g) ground pork
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps milk
• 0.5 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a festive touch)
• 1 cup (250 ml) cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400F (200C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiling the surface.
2. Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley, using gentle folding techniques to maintain a light texture without overmixing.
3. Meatball Formation: Craft uniform 1-inch spherical meatballs by delicately rolling the mixture between palms, ensuring consistent size and smooth surfaces.
4. Baking Process: Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation, then roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching safe internal temperature.
5. Serving Technique: Allow meatballs to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling internal juices to stabilize before presenting these festive, flavorful delicacies.

Notes

Avoid Overworking Mixture: Gentle mixing prevents tough, dense meatballs by keeping protein strands relaxed and tender.

Control Moisture Balance: Use fresh breadcrumbs and precisely measured milk to maintain perfect meat texture without becoming soggy or dry.

Check Internal Temperature: Verify meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) center to guarantee safe, fully cooked protein while preserving juiciness.

Customize Protein Options: Swap ground meats with turkey or chicken for lighter version, or use plant-based alternatives for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 509 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg