Close-up of holiday meatball bites topped with cranberry glaze and fresh rosemary on a wooden board

Mini Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

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Sweet, savory & the perfect holiday appetizer

These Mini Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze are the ultimate holiday appetizer sweet, savory, juicy, and impossible to stop eating! Made with flavorful beef meatballs , then coated in a glossy cranberry sauce with hints of garlic, brown sugar, and tangy ketchup, they deliver the perfect balance of festive flavors. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or planning an easy holiday spread, this Emma’s Cake Studio favorite always disappears fast. With simple ingredients and a no-alcohol glaze, these mini meatballs are family-friendly, festive, and foolproof a total must-make for your holiday menu!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 24 mini meatballs

Ingredients List

For the Mini Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Cranberry Glaze

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Tongs

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Mix the meatballs:
    In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
  2. Shape:
    Roll into 1-inch mini meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake:
    Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Make the glaze:
    In a saucepan, heat cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and garlic powder over medium heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Combine:
    Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan and toss until fully coated in glaze.
  6. Serve:
    Serve warm with toothpicks for the perfect party bite!

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
  • Crockpot option: Keep them warm in a slow cooker on “low” for parties.
  • Add spice: A pinch of chili flakes adds a nice kick.
  • Make ahead: Bake meatballs one day in advance, then glaze before serving.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
4 meatballs26016g18g13g1g9g