sweet and spicy cranberry meatballs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from family gatherings and appetizer lovers)
🥩 Savory | 🍒 Fruity | 🔥 Spicy-Sweet
These Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are a show-stopping appetizer that balance tender, juicy meatballs with a zesty, fruity glaze. Sweet cranberries, a touch of heat, and savory seasonings make every bite irresistible. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 6–8 as an appetizer
💰 Budget-Friendly
✨ Flavor: Savory meat, sweet cranberries, and a hint of spice
💡 Perfect For: Holiday parties, game-day snacks, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals
Ingredients – Juicy Meatballs & Bold Cranberry Glaze
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Cranberry Glaze:
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional: chopped fresh cranberries for garnish
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs – Sticky & Delicious
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Glaze
While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until smooth and slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Transfer meatballs to a large bowl, pour the glaze over them, and toss until coated. Garnish with fresh cranberries if desired. Serve warm.
Fun Variations
🌶️ Adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes
🍊 Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy kick
🥄 Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
🌿 Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch
What Everyone’s Saying
“These meatballs were the hit of the holiday party — sweet, spicy, and addictive!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Natalie H.
“Perfect balance of flavors. My kids couldn’t get enough.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Mark L.
“So easy and impressive. I’ll definitely make these again.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jessica R.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs – Tangy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
- Place meatballs on prepared sheet and bake 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, then reduce heat and cover for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Heat over medium until warm and smooth.
- Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated. Serve warm.
Notes
FAQ – Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
💡 Note: These Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for entertaining, holiday tables, or just a cozy weeknight dinner that feels special. Sticky, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!
Serve these meatballs alongside Cristal Recipes’ Best Roast Turkey for a full, festive holiday meal.
