FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Mini Cranberry Meatballs Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by on June 11, 2025

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a tasty, easy meal? Try my Mini Cranberry Meatballs! They combine juicy ground turkey or beef with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. You’ll enjoy their perfect blend of flavors, making them a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re simple to make! In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create these delightful bites that are sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s get cooking!

- 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped The main ingredients create a strong base for the meatballs. I love using ground turkey for a lean option, but beef adds rich flavor. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together. Parmesan gives a nice salty kick, while the egg binds everything. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Seasoning is key to flavor. Garlic and onion powder add depth without being too strong. Salt and pepper enhance all the ingredients. The cranberry sauce provides sweetness and tang, while Dijon mustard adds a bit of zest, making each bite exciting. - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar These sweet and sour elements balance the dish. Honey gives a lovely sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds tang. Together, they enhance the cranberry sauce and create a rich flavor profile. This balance is what makes these meatballs stand out at any gathering. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef with the breadcrumbs. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, and the finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use your clean hands to mix these ingredients. Mix just until combined. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. Now it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture and form them into balls about 1 inch wide. Place these meatballs on your lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them evenly apart. Once they are ready, put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are golden brown and no longer pink inside. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. To keep your mini meatballs tender, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients blend. Overmixing makes them tough. It's also key to check the internal temperature. Cook until they reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. You can customize the cranberry sauce to fit your taste. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, can boost flavor. Mixing in chopped apples can also add a nice twist. These small changes can make a big difference. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy eating. This makes them fun for parties or gatherings. For garnish, use fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top. These touches make your dish look great and taste even better. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for ground turkey for a leaner option, or beef for a richer flavor. Adjust seasonings accordingly based on your choice. Keep Them Tender: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture; this will help maintain a tender texture. Mix just until combined. Perfectly Baked: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness. Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices or herbs in the meatball mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to elevate the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground turkey or beef for other meats. Ground chicken is a great choice. It stays moist and tender. You can also use ground pork for a richer flavor. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This keeps the meatball shape while being meat-free. If you like some heat, make a spicy cranberry sauce. Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick to your meatballs. You can also try different fruit preserves. Cherry or apricot preserves work well. These give a sweet twist to the dish. Mix them with mustard and vinegar for a unique flavor. These meatballs are great as an appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. This makes it easy for guests to grab one. You can serve them with sides, like mashed potatoes or rice. Dips like ranch or blue cheese also pair nicely. This makes the meal more filling and fun to eat. After your mini cranberry meatballs are made, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They should last for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can reheat them directly from the freezer. Just add them to a dish with sauce and heat until warm. In the fridge, your mini meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to discard them. Yes, you can make Mini Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps: - Prepare the meatballs: Shape them as usual and place them on a baking sheet. - Chill: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake: When you're ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method helps save time and lets the flavors blend. For the best results, make your meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. Smaller meatballs may dry out, while larger ones may not cook through properly. Uniform size ensures they all finish at the same time. Absolutely! Using homemade cranberry sauce has many benefits: - Freshness: It tastes bright and vibrant. - Control: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. - Ingredients: You can use whole ingredients without preservatives. Making your own sauce is easy and adds a personal touch to your Mini Cranberry Meatballs. In this post, we explored making delicious cranberry meatballs. We covered the main ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. I shared tips for making tender meatballs and variations to fit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating options ensure you enjoy these treats later. Remember, customizing flavors and using fresh herbs can elevate your dish. With these steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Perfect for Gatherings: These mini meatballs are an ideal appetizer for any party, making them a hit among guests of all ages.
  2. Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce paired with savory meatballs creates a delightful flavor explosion.
  3. Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, these meatballs are quick to make, even for beginner cooks.
  4. Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as a main dish or a finger food, these meatballs adapt to any mealtime occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey or beef

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 large egg

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

The main ingredients create a strong base for the meatballs. I love using ground turkey for a lean option, but beef adds rich flavor. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together. Parmesan gives a nice salty kick, while the egg binds everything. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Seasoning and Flavoring

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning is key to flavor. Garlic and onion powder add depth without being too strong. Salt and pepper enhance all the ingredients. The cranberry sauce provides sweetness and tang, while Dijon mustard adds a bit of zest, making each bite exciting.

Sweet and Sour Elements

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

These sweet and sour elements balance the dish. Honey gives a lovely sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds tang. Together, they enhance the cranberry sauce and create a rich flavor profile. This balance is what makes these meatballs stand out at any gathering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet

First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Mixing the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef with the breadcrumbs. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, and the finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use your clean hands to mix these ingredients. Mix just until combined. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough.

Shaping and Baking the Meatballs

Now it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture and form them into balls about 1 inch wide. Place these meatballs on your lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them evenly apart. Once they are ready, put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are golden brown and no longer pink inside. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Tender Meatballs

To keep your mini meatballs tender, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients blend. Overmixing makes them tough. It’s also key to check the internal temperature. Cook until they reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy.

Flavor Enhancements

You can customize the cranberry sauce to fit your taste. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, can boost flavor. Mixing in chopped apples can also add a nice twist. These small changes can make a big difference.

Presentation Tips

Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy eating. This makes them fun for parties or gatherings. For garnish, use fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top. These touches make your dish look great and taste even better.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for ground turkey for a leaner option, or beef for a richer flavor. Adjust seasonings accordingly based on your choice.
  2. Keep Them Tender: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture; this will help maintain a tender texture. Mix just until combined.
  3. Perfectly Baked: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
  4. Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices or herbs in the meatball mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to elevate the flavor profile.

Variations

Meat Alternatives

You can switch the ground turkey or beef for other meats. Ground chicken is a great choice. It stays moist and tender. You can also use ground pork for a richer flavor.

If you want a vegetarian meal, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This keeps the meatball shape while being meat-free.

Sauce Modifications

If you like some heat, make a spicy cranberry sauce. Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick to your meatballs.

You can also try different fruit preserves. Cherry or apricot preserves work well. These give a sweet twist to the dish. Mix them with mustard and vinegar for a unique flavor.

Serving Styles

These meatballs are great as an appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. This makes it easy for guests to grab one.

You can serve them with sides, like mashed potatoes or rice. Dips like ranch or blue cheese also pair nicely. This makes the meal more filling and fun to eat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After your mini cranberry meatballs are made, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They should last for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Meatballs

To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can reheat them directly from the freezer. Just add them to a dish with sauce and heat until warm.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your mini meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to discard them.

FAQs

Can I make Mini Cranberry Meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make Mini Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps:

– Prepare the meatballs: Shape them as usual and place them on a baking sheet.

– Chill: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

– Bake: When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

This method helps save time and lets the flavors blend.

What size should the meatballs be?

For the best results, make your meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. Smaller meatballs may dry out, while larger ones may not cook through properly. Uniform size ensures they all finish at the same time.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Using homemade cranberry sauce has many benefits:

– Freshness: It tastes bright and vibrant.

– Control: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.

– Ingredients: You can use whole ingredients without preservatives.

Making your own sauce is easy and adds a personal touch to your Mini Cranberry Meatballs.

In this post, we explored making delicious cranberry meatballs. We covered the main ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. I shared tips for making tender meatballs and variations to fit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating options ensure you enjoy these treats later. Remember, customizing flavors and using fresh herbs can elevate your dish. With these steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with the recip

- 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped The main ingredients create a strong base for the meatballs. I love using ground turkey for a lean option, but beef adds rich flavor. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together. Parmesan gives a nice salty kick, while the egg binds everything. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Seasoning is key to flavor. Garlic and onion powder add depth without being too strong. Salt and pepper enhance all the ingredients. The cranberry sauce provides sweetness and tang, while Dijon mustard adds a bit of zest, making each bite exciting. - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar These sweet and sour elements balance the dish. Honey gives a lovely sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds tang. Together, they enhance the cranberry sauce and create a rich flavor profile. This balance is what makes these meatballs stand out at any gathering. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef with the breadcrumbs. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, and the finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use your clean hands to mix these ingredients. Mix just until combined. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. Now it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture and form them into balls about 1 inch wide. Place these meatballs on your lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them evenly apart. Once they are ready, put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are golden brown and no longer pink inside. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. To keep your mini meatballs tender, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients blend. Overmixing makes them tough. It's also key to check the internal temperature. Cook until they reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. You can customize the cranberry sauce to fit your taste. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, can boost flavor. Mixing in chopped apples can also add a nice twist. These small changes can make a big difference. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy eating. This makes them fun for parties or gatherings. For garnish, use fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top. These touches make your dish look great and taste even better. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for ground turkey for a leaner option, or beef for a richer flavor. Adjust seasonings accordingly based on your choice. Keep Them Tender: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture; this will help maintain a tender texture. Mix just until combined. Perfectly Baked: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness. Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices or herbs in the meatball mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to elevate the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground turkey or beef for other meats. Ground chicken is a great choice. It stays moist and tender. You can also use ground pork for a richer flavor. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This keeps the meatball shape while being meat-free. If you like some heat, make a spicy cranberry sauce. Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick to your meatballs. You can also try different fruit preserves. Cherry or apricot preserves work well. These give a sweet twist to the dish. Mix them with mustard and vinegar for a unique flavor. These meatballs are great as an appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. This makes it easy for guests to grab one. You can serve them with sides, like mashed potatoes or rice. Dips like ranch or blue cheese also pair nicely. This makes the meal more filling and fun to eat. After your mini cranberry meatballs are made, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They should last for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can reheat them directly from the freezer. Just add them to a dish with sauce and heat until warm. In the fridge, your mini meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to discard them. Yes, you can make Mini Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps: - Prepare the meatballs: Shape them as usual and place them on a baking sheet. - Chill: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake: When you're ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method helps save time and lets the flavors blend. For the best results, make your meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. Smaller meatballs may dry out, while larger ones may not cook through properly. Uniform size ensures they all finish at the same time. Absolutely! Using homemade cranberry sauce has many benefits: - Freshness: It tastes bright and vibrant. - Control: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. - Ingredients: You can use whole ingredients without preservatives. Making your own sauce is easy and adds a personal touch to your Mini Cranberry Meatballs. In this post, we explored making delicious cranberry meatballs. We covered the main ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. I shared tips for making tender meatballs and variations to fit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating options ensure you enjoy these treats later. Remember, customizing flavors and using fresh herbs can elevate your dish. With these steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with the recipe!

Cranberry Delight Mini Meatballs

Delicious mini meatballs made with ground turkey or beef, served with a flavorful cranberry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, freshly chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.
  • Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and form them into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the flavorful cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture continuously until it is heated through and all the ingredients are well blended, about 5 minutes.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a large serving bowl. Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, providing toothpicks for easy serving—perfect for parties or family gatherings where guests can enjoy them as a delightful appetizer.

Notes

Perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry sauce, meatballs

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?