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- 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar The main ingredients in this recipe are simple yet delicious. You can use either ground turkey or beef. Turkey makes the meatballs lighter, while beef adds a rich flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture. Parmesan cheese brings a savory touch that pairs well with the cranberry sauce. For seasonings, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Garlic and onion powder provide depth and warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. The cranberry sauce is what makes these meatballs special. You can use store-bought sauce for speed. If you prefer homemade, that works too! The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Honey sweetens the sauce, while apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity. This balance makes the sauce perfect for drenching your meatballs. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the oven time to heat up. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 4. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. 1. Using your hands, form small meatballs about one inch in diameter. 2. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them. 3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and make sure they are cooked through. 1. While the meatballs bake, prepare the cranberry sauce. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. 3. Stir until the sauce is heated through and well combined. This will create a tangy and sweet glaze. Once the meatballs are ready, pour the warm cranberry sauce over them. Toss gently to coat. Serve warm for a delightful treat at any gathering. To make perfect meatballs, avoid overmixing. When you combine the meat and other ingredients, mix just enough. Overmixing makes them tough. For uniform size, use a small ice cream scoop. This helps your meatballs have the same shape. Aim for about one inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and looks great on the plate. There are many ways to serve mini cranberry meatballs. They make great appetizers or snacks. You can also serve them as a main dish with rice or quinoa. For gatherings, present them in a large bowl. Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the meatballs. Add fresh parsley on top for color. Use toothpicks for easy eating. This makes them fun for guests. To boost flavor, you can add spices. Try smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a kick. These spices add depth to the taste. You can also swap ingredients. Use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey or beef. If you want a vegetarian option, try lentils or chickpeas. These alternatives keep the meal healthy and tasty. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef adds more flavor. Pick based on your dietary preferences. Don't Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients until just combined for a tender texture; overmixing can make them tough. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and homemade cranberry sauce will elevate the flavor profile of your meatballs. Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess of the cranberry sauce by adjusting honey or vinegar amounts. {{image_2}} You can change up the meat in these mini meatballs. Ground turkey is great, but ground beef works well too. If you want a lighter option, lean turkey keeps the flavor strong. For vegetarian choices, use black beans or lentils. Both add protein and texture. You can mash them up and mix them with breadcrumbs and spices. This gives you a tasty meat-free version. The sauce is key to flavor. You can make it sweet or spicy. For a kick, add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes. If you want more sweetness, try adding maple syrup instead of honey. Another fun idea is to swap cranberry sauce with peach or apricot preserves. This adds a fruity twist and keeps it unique. Many people have special diets. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. For low-carb diets, skip breadcrumbs and use ground almonds instead. This keeps the meatballs moist while reducing carbs. These swaps make the dish fit for all kinds of eaters. To keep your mini cranberry meatballs fresh, follow these steps: - Place the leftovers in an airtight container. - Store the container in the fridge. - Eat them within 3 to 4 days for best quality. For a longer shelf life, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These keep the meatballs nice and safe. To enjoy your mini meatballs again, use these methods: - Microwave: Place meatballs in a bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. To keep the meatballs juicy, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. This helps them stay moist. If you want to freeze your meatballs, do this: - Let them cool completely after cooking. - Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them straight from frozen, but they might take longer to heat through. You can serve mini cranberry meatballs in many fun ways. For appetizers, try these ideas: - Cheese platter with assorted cheeses - Fresh veggie sticks with dip - Crispy potato chips or plantain chips For side dishes, consider these options: - A light salad with greens and vinaigrette - Garlic bread or dinner rolls - Roasted vegetables for a colorful plate These pairings bring out the meatballs' sweet and savory flavors. Yes, you can make mini meatballs ahead of time. Here are some meal prep strategies: - Shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to two days. - Freeze raw meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. - Cook the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Making these in advance saves you time for parties or family meals. Mini cranberry meatballs are great for kids. Here’s why: - They’re small and easy to eat with fingers. - The sweet cranberry sauce makes them more appealing. - You can adjust spices to fit your child’s taste. For parents, I suggest: - Letting kids help shape the meatballs as a fun activity. - Serving meatballs with toothpicks for added fun. With these tips, your kids will love mini cranberry meatballs! These mini cranberry meatballs are a delightful dish you can easily make. With ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, and tasty spices, they become a hit at any gathering. The homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a special touch. Remember the tips for perfect meatballs and explore variations to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredient swaps and sauces. You can even make them ahead and store leftovers for later. These meatballs are fun, easy, and sure to impress everyone. Enjoy serving them at your next event!

Cranberry Delight Mini Meatballs

Delicious mini meatballs made with ground turkey or beef, served with a warm cranberry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Using your hands, form small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce by combining the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through and well combined.
  • Once the meatballs are ready, place them in a large serving bowl and pour the warm cranberry sauce over them, tossing gently to coat.
  • Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating at parties or family gatherings.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, holiday, meatballs