Savory Mini-Meatballs in Tangy Cranberry Glaze
These Savory Mini-Meatballs in Tangy Cranberry Glaze are the perfect blend of delectable flavors and textures that will make them a hit at any gathering. Combining juicy, well-seasoned ground beef with a zesty cranberry sauce, these meatballs are not only easy to make but are also ideal for serving as appetizers or party snacks. Baked to perfection and then simmered in a sweet and tangy glaze, they offer a unique twist on traditional meatballs that everyone will love. Serve them warm at your next holiday party or family gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (none)
challah bread crumbs
1 cup (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onion powder
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh basil
1 teaspoon (minced)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (none)
chili sauce or catsup
1 1/2 cups (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
citric acid or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, challah bread crumbs, chopped parsley, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, chopped basil, and cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to ensure tenderness.
3
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of walnuts or smaller.
4
Place the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
5
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze by mixing the whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce (or ketchup), brown sugar, and citric acid (or lemon juice) in a crock pot set at 325°F (160°C). Stir the ingredients until well combined.
6
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the crock pot and gently stir them into the cranberry sauce to coat.
7
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
8
After an hour, lower the heat to the 'keep warm' setting for serving. Enjoy your savory mini-meatballs warm!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
4g
Protein
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Mini-Meatballs in Tangy Cranberry Glaze?
They are a delectable blend of seasoned ground beef meatballs simmered in a zesty, sweet, and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for appetizers.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
What kind of bread crumbs should I use?
Challah bread crumbs are used to provide a rich texture and flavor to the meatballs.
How many eggs are required for the meatball mixture?
You will need 2 large beaten eggs.
What spices are used to season the meatballs?
The seasonings include fresh parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, fresh basil, and cayenne pepper.
How do I ensure the meatballs remain tender?
Mix the ingredients until just combined and avoid overworking the meat to ensure tenderness.
What size should the mini-meatballs be?
Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately the size of walnuts or smaller.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How long do the meatballs bake in the oven?
Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.
What ingredients are in the tangy cranberry glaze?
The glaze is made from whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce (or ketchup), brown sugar, and citric acid (or lemon juice).
Can I substitute the chili sauce in the glaze?
Yes, you can use catsup as a substitute for chili sauce.
What is the role of citric acid or lemon juice in the recipe?
It provides a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and brown sugar.
How do I cook the meatballs with the glaze?
Transfer the baked meatballs to a crock pot containing the glaze ingredients and cook on low for 1 hour.
What temperature should the crock pot be set to?
Initially set the crock pot to 325°F (160°C) to mix the glaze, then cook on low for an hour.
How should these meatballs be served at a party?
Keep them in the crock pot on the 'keep warm' setting and serve them warm with toothpicks.
How many calories are in a serving of these meatballs?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, there is 1 gram of sugar per serving.
Are these meatballs suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they are specifically described as ideal for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in advance and simmer them in the glaze when you are ready to serve.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include appetizers, meatballs, cranberry sauce, party food, holiday recipes, finger foods, and savory dishes.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
The recipe features 12 total ingredients.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
While the recipe provides instructions for fresh meatballs, you could use the glaze instructions for frozen meatballs if needed.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne adds a subtle hint of warmth without being overly spicy.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
The recipe specifies one can of whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total time needed for the crock pot stage?
The meatballs should simmer in the glaze for at least 1 hour on low.