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Cranberry BBQ Meatballs on Toothpicks

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 meatballs (serves 8–10 as appetizers)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl For combining the meatball ingredients.
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper Makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking. A silicone baking mat works great too.
  • Small saucepan For simmering the cranberry BBQ sauce.
  • Whisk To blend the sauce smoothly.
  • Oven Standard kitchen oven preheated to 400°F (204°C).
  • Serving platter A festive one makes them feel even more special.
  • Toothpicks or cocktail skewers Essential for serving. You can use reusable mini skewers or fancy party picks if desired.

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for moisture and flavor
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, but adds a nice touch

For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce your favorite, smoky or hickory flavors work well
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional for heat

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley optional, for a pop of color
  • Toothpicks or mini skewers

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently using your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is well incorporated. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs may become tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

  1. Form the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch balls — you should get about 24 meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. You can test one to be sure it's fully done.

Step 4: Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce

  1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Coat the Meatballs

  1. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them into a large bowl or back into the saucepan if it’s roomy enough. Pour the warm cranberry BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until they are evenly coated.

Step 6: Skewer and Serve

  1. Insert toothpicks or small skewers into each meatball for easy serving. Arrange them on a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature — they’re delicious either way.