Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs 🥘✨: Tangy, festive meatballs perfect for holidays! Perfect party bites with a twist. #meatballs #cranberrycocktail #appetizerrecipes
Include these ingredients in your recipe to create delicious cranberry cocktail meatballs perfect for appetizers. Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability and preference. Optimize your dish with a blend of flavors using Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, ensuring the meatballs are not only savory but also have a tangy twist reminiscent of a cranberry cocktail.
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Steps
### Cranberry Cocktail Meatball Appetizers Recipe
#### Overview
These vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs are perfect for any holiday gathering or party. They combine the sweetness of cranberries with a subtle hint of cocktail flavor, wrapped up in tender meatballs. These appetizers not only look impressive but also taste fantastic.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup cranberry cocktail (juice or sauce)
- Breadcrumbs for rolling
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or fork
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Oven
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Meatball Mixture:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, orange zest, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
2. **Add Cranberry Cocktail:**
- Gently stir in the cranberry cocktail (either juice or sauce), ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
3. **Form the Meatballs:**
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1-inch in diameter.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
4. **Roll the Meatballs:**
- Lightly coat each meatball in breadcrumbs. This step helps create a slightly crispy exterior and also adds some texture.
5. **Bake the Meatballs:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color.
6. **Serve:**
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
#### Tips for Success
- Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix the meatballs to get a better texture.
- To enhance the flavor further, you can add a small amount of grated lemon zest along with orange zest.
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#### Conclusion
These Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs are a delightful and easy-to-make addition to any party menu. Their vibrant color and unique flavor will surely impress your guests. Enjoy crafting this dish and share it with friends and family!