The Tangy Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs Recipe You Need Now

Cranberry-orange glazed meatballs burst with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across tender, juicy spheres of savory protein.

These delectable bites combine rich meaty textures with bright citrus undertones.

Seasonal ingredients merge in a spectacular culinary symphony that awakens taste buds.

Complex layers of taste emerge through careful ingredient selection and balanced proportions.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of warmth and zesty freshness.

Imagine serving these irresistible morsels that spark conversation and create memorable dining moments.

Explore this recipe and experience a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Questions About Cranberry Orange Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly since turkey can dry out faster than beef.

• How long can I store these meatballs?

You can refrigerate the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain their moisture and flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Also, check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.

• Can I freeze these cranberry-orange meatballs?

Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tangy-Sweet Cranberry-Orange Meatballs

• Cranberry-orange sauce adds a zesty, tangy twist that transforms ordinary meatballs into a holiday-worthy dish, making every bite a delightful flavor explosion.
• This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal effort and time investment.
• Perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or casual family dinners, these meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main course, or potluck contribution that will impress everyone.
• Baking meatballs instead of frying means less mess, healthier preparation, and a hands-off cooking method that lets you multitask while creating a delicious meal in under 40 minutes.

Ingredient List for These Festive Bites

• Ground Beef: The star protein with a rich, meaty flavor perfect for hearty meatballs. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the meat's richness. Use fresh orange for the most vibrant flavor.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Keep meatballs tender and moist. Panko breadcrumbs work best for a lighter texture.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and provides structure to the meatballs.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create depth of flavor and seasoning. Fresh minced garlic can be substituted for garlic powder.

• Jellied Cranberry Sauce, Barbecue Sauce: Form a sweet and tangy glaze that coats the meatballs. Homemade or store-bought sauces work well.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that brightens the final dish.

How to Cook This Holiday Favorite

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meatball Base

• Ground beef
• Orange zest
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything until the mixture looks uniform and well-combined.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatball Rounds

Scoop out small portions of the meat mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, consistent 1-inch spheres. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even heat circulation.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs should look golden brown and feel firm when touched. Check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure complete cooking.

Step 4: Craft Tangy Cranberry Sauce

• Jellied cranberry sauce
• Barbecue sauce

Heat the mixture over medium temperature. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes silky smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs

Transfer the freshly baked meatballs directly into the warm sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball completely with the vibrant cranberry-orange glaze.

Step 6: Present and Garnish

Move the glazed meatballs to a beautiful serving platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Tips for Glazing and Flavor

• Master the Meat Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough meatballs, using a light touch and avoiding overworking the ground beef.
• Ensure Even Sizing: Use a small scoop or carefully measure each meatball to guarantee uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout.
• Monitor Baking Precisely: Check meatballs at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, looking for a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk cranberry and barbecue sauces continuously while heating to create a silky, well-blended glaze with no lumps.
• Gentle Coating Method: Fold meatballs into sauce carefully to maintain their shape and completely cover each piece with the delicious cranberry-orange glaze.

Storage and Warming Suggestions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy cranberry-orange glaze and cut through the richness of the beef meatballs.
• Serve with Complementary Side Dishes: Prepare a light quinoa salad with citrus vinaigrette or roasted sweet potato wedges to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a Belgian-style wheat ale or a fruity pale ale that echoes the citrusy notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the meat's heaviness.
• Create a Festive Appetizer Platter: Arrange the meatballs on a wooden board with aged cheddar cubes, cornichon pickles, and crusty artisan bread to create an inviting and elegant presentation that enhances the dish's flavor profile.

Other Flavor Ideas Using Cranberry and Orange

• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a zesty heat that complements the sweet cranberry glaze.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace ground beef with ground lamb and mix in fresh oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired version of the meatballs.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap the barbecue sauce with hoisin sauce and add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the cranberry mixture for an Asian-influenced flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transform the recipe by cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low, allowing the flavors to meld together and create an ultra-tender texture.

Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs bring holiday cheer to dinner tables with their tangy, sweet glaze and rich, savory flavor. Guests will savor each bite of these crowd-pleasing appetizers that blend traditional comfort with seasonal elegance.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large orange zest
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
2. Thoroughly blend ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, finely diced onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
3. Craft uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter using hands or a precise scoop, positioning them evenly across the baking sheet to guarantee consistent heat circulation.
4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a complete internal cook and develop a delicate golden-brown exterior.
5. Simultaneously, craft the cranberry-orange glaze by melting jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, unified sauce.
6. After removing meatballs from the oven, gently immerse them into the prepared cranberry-orange sauce, carefully rotating to ensure each morsel receives an even, glossy coating.
7. Present the glazed meatballs on a decorative serving platter, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch. Serve while warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Master this make-ahead friendly recipe by preparing meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for convenient meal prep.
• Versatile dish works perfectly as appetizer, party snack, or main course with rice or pasta accompaniment.
• Fresh orange zest delivers bright citrus undertones, elevating traditional meatball flavor profile with unexpected brightness.
• Jellied cranberry sauce creates glossy, rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully when heated, providing stunning visual and taste appeal.
• Ground beef mixture requires gentle mixing to prevent dense, tough meatballs; use light hand when combining ingredients.
• Instant-read meat thermometer recommended to ensure meatballs reach safe internal temperature of 160°F without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg