Description
Savory cranberry meatballs blend Swedish and American culinary traditions with tangy sauce. Guests will love this festive appetizer that brings warmth and comfort to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring complete ingredient integration with gentle yet firm mixing techniques.
- Shaping and Initial Cooking: Meticulously shape meat mixture into uniform spherical portions and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and fully cooked internally.
- Sauce Creation: Simultaneously craft a vibrant sauce by whisking cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a large skillet, heating until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid with harmonious flavor profiles.
- Flavor Infusion: Transfer freshly roasted meatballs directly into the prepared sauce, gently coating each sphere to ensure comprehensive flavor absorption, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to enhance taste complexity.
- Serving Presentation: Plate the glazed meatballs in an attractive serving dish, offering toothpicks for easy appetizer enjoyment or serve gracefully atop steamed rice as a delectable main course option.
Notes
Manage Meat Moisture: Mix ground meat gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs. Avoid overmixing which compresses proteins and creates hard texture.
Select Lean-Fat Balance: Choose ground meat with 15-20% fat content for juiciest results. Lean meats tend to dry out quickly during cooking.
Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation. Simmer on low heat to develop rich, smooth flavor without burning.
Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter version. Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond meal for wheat-sensitive diners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg