‘Tis the season for festive gatherings and mouthwatering appetizers! These Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect blend of holiday cheer and zesty flavor, guaranteed to be the talk of your holiday party. With a medium spice level that’ll warm you up without setting your taste buds ablaze, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 24-30 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Spicy Cranberry Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 10 minutes).
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce.
- Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Transfer to a slow cooker set on warm to keep them at the perfect temperature throughout your holiday party.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tantalizing meatballs in a festive bowl with decorative toothpicks nearby. For an extra touch of holiday magic, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or rosemary over the top – the red and green will look stunning on your party table!
Pro Tips
- Spice it Up (or Down): For those who like it hotter, add an extra dash of cayenne to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes in the meatballs.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Reheat in a slow cooker before the party for effortless entertaining.
- Leftover Love: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these meatballs make a fantastic sandwich filling the next day!
With these Spicy Cranberry Meatballs, you’re not just serving an appetizer – you’re creating a holiday memory. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with each bite, savoring the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Happy holidays and happy hosting!
