PARTNER POST: Get ready to feed a holiday crowd with appetizer recipes paired perfectly with food-friendly Cavit wines.
Need a holiday appetizer that will feed a crowd? Look no further than these glazed cranberry meatballs that are paired perfectly with a red wine to kick off a party right.
One of the absolute best parts of the holiday season is the rekindling of relationships. Everyone seems to slow down during the holidays and put aside our busy lives to get back to their roots of family and friends for holiday parties filled with good cheer, food, and drink. It’s a beautiful thing and I’ve got the perfect recipe to help get you into the spirit! 
Meet my Glazed Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs! The perfect foodie solution to your potluck problems! They are the epitome of sweet and salty perfection, super easy to make, and addictive. I probably popped 5-8 of them in my mouth before I was even able to plate them for the photos for the blog post. They pair perfectly with a big glass of Cavit Select Red Blend Wine, which I would know since I’m enjoying a plate/glass as I write this up! Cavit Trentino wines hail from northern Italy and make a fantastic accompaniment to any of your holiday eats. The Select Red Blend is full of rich and bold flavor that make you want to keep on sippin’ and is perfect for sharing with your loved ones as you reconnect.
For another easy holiday appetizer, try these lamb bites. Recipe here.
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- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
Description
These glazed cranberry meatballs are the perfect sweet and salty appetizer, ideal for holiday gatherings and perfectly paired with a glass of red wine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 (12 oz) can jelly cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, bread crumbs, egg, and water. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1½ inch meatballs and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the ketchup, BBQ sauce, jelly cranberry sauce, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the cranberry glaze over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Serve the glazed cranberry meatballs warm, paired with a glass of red wine for the perfect holiday appetizer.
Notes
These meatballs are addictive, so consider making a double batch if serving a large crowd. They pair excellently with a red wine, such as Cavit Select Red Blend. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them with the glaze just before serving. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?
For the glazed cranberry meatballs, ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork works best to achieve a tender texture.
How do I prepare the glaze for the meatballs?
The glaze is made by combining cranberry sauce with ingredients like soy sauce and brown sugar, which you then simmer until it thickens before tossing the cooked meatballs in it.
What wine pairs best with these glazed cranberry meatballs?
The Glazed Cranberry Meatballs pair perfectly with Cavit Select Red Blend Wine, which enhances the sweet and salty flavors of the dish.
