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Sweet & Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs | BiteTide

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs – Your New Favorite Indulgence

Delight your guests with Sweet & Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, a perfect blend of flavors that will captivate everyone's taste buds.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Appetizer, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, meatballs, Party Food, Sweet & Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 meatballs
Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • large bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Parchment paper or foil

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound Ground Beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 1 large Eggs Can be substituted with flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped; shallots can replace for a milder taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; can substitute with cilantro or omit.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances all flavors; sea salt or table salt may be used.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or cloves; optional for depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Optional, contributes earthy depth.

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Canned, key ingredient providing sweetness.
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce Choose hickory or others for unique flavor profiles.
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce Brings that signature heat and sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Balances flavors with tanginess.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Adds complexity.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your spicy preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Zest of 1 Orange Optional for brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Optional, infuses tang.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
  • Combine in a large bowl the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
  • Form the meat mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through.
  • Prepare the sauce by combining cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan, coating them in the sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

These meatballs can be served warm at gatherings, over rice, or mashed potatoes for added delight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg