The holiday season is the perfect time to elevate your appetizer game with Mini Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Recipe. This recipe combines the savory juiciness of perfectly baked meatballs with the sweet and tangy burst of cranberry glaze. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or an elegant starter, these bite-sized skewers are not just visually appealing but also irresistible in flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make this festive appetizer at home. Prepare for compliments—these skewers will disappear before you can say “holiday feast!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bursting Flavor: Juicy meatballs meet sweet cranberry glaze for a perfect balance of savory and tangy.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy holiday prep.
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Customizable Proteins: Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken depending on preference.
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Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and perfect for little hands at holiday gatherings.
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Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients that make a luxurious-tasting dish.
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Visual Appeal: Skewered presentation makes serving effortless and festive.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs can be prepped and stored before assembly.
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Healthy Twists: Use lean meats and natural sweeteners in the glaze.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey – provides protein and a rich, savory base.
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1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs – helps bind and retain moisture.
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1/4 cup (60ml) milk – adds tenderness to meatballs.
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1/4 cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese – boosts umami flavor.
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1 large egg – acts as a binder for a cohesive mixture.
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2 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic depth.
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1 teaspoon dried oregano – enhances the savory profile.
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1 teaspoon salt – seasoning essential for flavor balance.
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds a subtle kick.
For the Cranberry Glaze:
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1 cup (240ml) cranberry sauce – store-bought or homemade for flexibility.
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1 tablespoon soy sauce – creates depth and umami balance.
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1 tablespoon honey – natural sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds tangy complexity.
Additional Ingredients:
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Wooden skewers – soak in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Substitutions & Tips:
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Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
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Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer flavor profile.
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Gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly for dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even baking. Proper preheating ensures meatballs cook uniformly without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to retain tenderness—overmixing can make meatballs dense.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Uniform size ensures even cooking. Using lightly oiled hands prevents sticking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F for poultry, 160°F for beef).
Step 5: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and warm. The glaze should be pourable but not runny.
Step 6: Assemble the Skewers
Thread 3–4 meatballs onto each skewer. Drizzle glaze over meatballs or toss gently for even coating. The glossy finish enhances both flavor and presentation.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange skewers on a platter. Serve warm with extra cranberry glaze for dipping. Perfect for buffet tables, cocktail parties, or holiday starters.
Pro Tips
How do I keep meatballs juicy?
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Use a combination of ground meat and milk-soaked breadcrumbs to lock in moisture. Avoid overbaking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
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Yes! Prepare meatballs a day in advance, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently before glazing.
What can I serve with mini meatball skewers?
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Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or festive charcuterie boards.
Can I freeze them?
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Freeze unglazed meatballs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before adding cranberry glaze.
Best Ways to Serve
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Holiday Parties: Serve as an elegant appetizer on cocktail tables.
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Family Gatherings: Pair with a warm side like garlic mashed potatoes.
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Potlucks: Easy to transport and reheat.
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Buffets: Include in themed platters alongside cheese, fruit, or crackers.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 Skewers)
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Calories: 210 kcal
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Protein: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 400mg
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store glazed or unglazed meatballs in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze unglazed meatballs for 2 months. Reheat gently in oven or microwave, then glaze.
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Reheating: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through maintains texture.
Variations
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Dietary Swaps: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Flavor Twists: Add orange zest or cinnamon to the glaze for extra festive flair.
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Cooking Methods: Pan-sear or air fry meatballs for a crispier exterior.
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Regional Flavors: Incorporate sage and rosemary for a classic holiday aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, defrost and reheat, then coat in fresh cranberry glaze for best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the skewers gluten-friendly.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce; whole cranberry texture adds interest.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based meatballs and flax egg for binding.
Conclusion
The Mini Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Recipe is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. Whether for a holiday party or a family gathering, these skewers are easy to prepare, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. Unlock this recipe’s full flavor potential, impress your guests, and elevate your appetizer game this season.