Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are tender baked pork meatballs coated in a warm, glossy cranberry-tomato sauce with a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. This festive appetizer is well suited for holiday gatherings and is best served warm.
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Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground pork
- 1 small onion finely minced or grated for even mixing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup panko-style breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it nearby for the shaped meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork, eggs, ketchup, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Lightly moisten your hands to keep the mixture from sticking. Shape the mixture into medium meatballs, making approximately 32 pieces. A small ice cream scoop may be used to help create evenly sized meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center of a meatball reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
- While the meatballs are baking, place the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet. Stir the ingredients together and warm over medium heat until the sauce begins to boil.
- Lower the heat, then add the baked meatballs to the skillet. Gently turn them in the sauce until coated, and continue cooking until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and the sauce clings evenly.
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter texture, panko breadcrumbs work especially well in the meatball mixture.