Description
This easy cranberry meatballs recipe, Ruby Glazed Party Bites, is a sweet-tart crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners and festive occasions. Made with ground meat and a rich cranberry glaze, it offers delicious comfort without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prep Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls, aiming for about 40-50 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake Meatballs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. They should feel firm to the touch.
- Craft Ruby Glaze: While meatballs bake, whisk together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, 0.5 tsp onion powder, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder in a medium saucepan.
- Simmer Glaze: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, coating the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering glaze, tossing gently to coat completely. Serve warm.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure tender results. Do not overcrowd the baking pan to allow for even browning; bake in batches if necessary. Simmer the glaze long enough until it coats the back of a spoon for the perfect ruby consistency. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For a spicier version, add 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 meatballs
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, ruby glazed, party bites, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, game night food, appetizer, family dinner, lean meat