Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
These Cranberry Balsamic Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. Baked meatballs are tossed in a cranberry BBQ glaze made with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cocktail party, these bite-size meatballs are simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. Lean ground beef
- 7 oz. canned Whole berry cranberry sauce this recipe uses 1, 14 oz. can
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Plain bread crumbs
- 1 whole Egg
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
For the glaze:
- 7 oz. canned Whole berry cranberry sauce remainder of the 14 oz. can
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
For the meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, cranberry sauce (half of the can), garlic, bread crumbs, egg, balsamic, and seasonings. Use your hands to combine evenly, using a portion scoop or measuring spoons, measure 1 oz. scoops of the meatball mixture.1 lb. Lean ground beef, 7 oz. canned Whole berry cranberry sauce , 2-3 cloves Garlic, 1 cup Plain bread crumbs , 1 whole Egg, 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar , 2 tsp Kosher salt, Fresh cracked black pepper, 1 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Onion powder
- Place on a sheet pan and repeat with the remaining mixture. Roll into balls and arrange in single layer. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. They should have an internal temperature of 155 degrees F.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer to a large mixing bowl.
For the glaze:
- In a saucepan combine the remaining cranberry sauce, balsamic, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and simmer over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly.7 oz. canned Whole berry cranberry sauce , 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar , 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice
- Poor the sauce over the cooked meatballs and toss to combine. Serve on a large platter with cocktail picks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme. Meatballs can be kept warm in a crockpot if needed.Fresh rosemary or thyme
Notes
Spice Pairing: everyday blend
Add in a pinch instead of the listed seasonings above!
- Make Ahead: Form and bake the meatballs a day in advance. Reheat them in the sauce before serving for easy service.
- Shortcuts: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce and canned cranberry sauce for a quick glaze, frozen meatballs are another easy shortcut.
- Serving Idea: Keep them hot in a slow cooker on “warm” during parties, give them an occasional stir.
- For Tender Meatballs: check temp while baking so you don't overcook!
Nutrition
Serving: 1meatballCalories: 57kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 301mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg