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Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs: Sweet & Savory Holiday Delight

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful holiday appetizer that combines savory meatballs with a sweet cranberry sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound lean ground pork 90-95% lean
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh garlic
For the Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce jellied or whole
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce swap for coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour as a substitute

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick Cranberry Meatballs
  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Form meatballs using about two tablespoons of the mixture each, aiming for 32 medium-sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 160℉.
  5. In a skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir until boiling, then reduce to a simmer until thickened.
  6. Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy your holiday gathering!

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead for convenience. They also freeze well for longer storage.

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