These high-protein cranberry meatballs are a delightful addition to your festive party food lineup. Coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, they make for an impressive appetizer that will please your guests during the holiday season.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also serves as a clean comfort meal, perfect for holiday dinner gatherings. Enjoy the combination of flavors that make these meatballs a standout dish.

Festive Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

These cranberry meatballs are made with lean ground meat and combined with a delicious glaze that balances sweetness and tanginess. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Prepare the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat until warmed through and slightly thickened.
6. Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the sweet and tangy glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat.
7. Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve warm as a high-protein appetizer.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g