Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs (classic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs
Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory and sweet, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The juicy meatballs are enveloped in a vibrant glaze that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a nod to the classic holiday flavors that many of us cherish.
Historically, meatballs have been a staple in various cuisines around the world, from Italian to Swedish, but this particular version draws inspiration from American holiday traditions. The use of cranberry sauce, especially during Thanksgiving, adds a nostalgic touch that resonates with many. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, but without the awkward family stories.
To make these meatballs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including ground meat, breadcrumbs, and a homemade glaze that’s both easy and impressive. The combination of spices and the citrusy glaze elevates the dish, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and festive celebrations. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time mingling and less time in the kitchen. Just remember, if you eat too many, you might need to roll yourself out the door!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking meatballs evenly while achieving a nice golden exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground beef, 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, and 0.25 cup of milk. The egg acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce, 0.5 cup of orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the glaze.
- Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are well coated.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the glaze for about 5 minutes on low heat. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They make a fantastic appetizer or a main dish served over rice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Enjoy these meatballs at your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say 'cranberry orange glaze'!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs g: 18
- Protein g: 24
- Fat g: 18
- Sugar g: 10
