Cranberry orange glazed meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, making them a standout appetizer or main course for any occasion. Juicy meatballs are coated in a vibrant glaze made from tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a touch of sweetness, creating a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for holiday parties or weeknight dinners. Whether served with toothpicks for easy snacking or alongside rice or mashed potatoes, these meatballs will be an instant hit with your guests.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole berry preferred)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked. - Make the Glaze:
While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, cinnamon, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. - Combine Meatballs and Glaze:
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with additional orange zest or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for appetizers or over rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish.
These cranberry orange glazed meatballs are a festive and flavorful addition to your menu, guaranteed to delight every palate!
