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Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Sweet and Savory Quick Cranberry Meatballs for Easy Holiday Fun

Delicious Quick Cranberry Meatballs bring sweet and savory flavors to your holiday gatherings, perfectly suited for easy entertaining.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Pork Aim for 90-95% lean to keep meatballs juicy.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use plain or seasoned varieties.
  • 1 large Egg Can be substituted with flaxseed meal for a vegan option.
  • 1 small Onion (finely chopped) Can swap with shallots for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped) Can be replaced or omitted.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Cranberry Sauce Use homemade or canned for ease.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Tamari or coconut aminos can substitute.
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat; adjust to preference.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure even cooking.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a non-stick surface.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine lean ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, half of the parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until incorporated.
  4. Shape the mixture into approximately 32 medium-sized meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160℉.
  6. While the meatballs are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
  7. Carefully transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce, heating for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with remaining parsley, on a platter with toothpicks or over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenience. Adjust seasonings to your taste preferences.

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