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Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs – Tangy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing

These Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer or holiday treat. Juicy meatballs get a flavor-packed coating of tangy cranberry sauce, a hint of heat, and a touch of sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning, optional
  • Sauce:
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 –2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

Preheat Oven:
  1. 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Meatballs:
  1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form Meatballs:
  1. Shape into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
Cook Meatballs:
    Option 1 – Oven:
    1. Place meatballs on prepared sheet and bake 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
    Option 2 – Stovetop:
    1. 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.
    Prepare Sauce:
    1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Heat over medium until warm and smooth.
    Coat Meatballs:
    1. Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated. Serve warm.

    Notes

    Adjust spice level with more or less sriracha.
    Make ahead: Meatballs can be cooked and refrigerated, then reheated in the sauce.
    Great served with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.