When it comes to easy holiday appetizers that promise to disappear from the platter in minutes, few dishes deliver like classic cocktail meatballs. But for a truly festive twist that captures the spirit of the season, look no further than these Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs. With their irresistible sweet, tangy, and savory glaze made from jellied cranberry sauce, they are the ultimate crowd-pleasing Christmas appetizer.
This recipe, straight from cranberry country, is more than just a party food; it's a bite-sized celebration. Perfect for holiday entertaining, from Christmas Eve gatherings to New Year's Day football watching, these meatballs are satisfyingly simple to make but impressively flavorful. As a blogger dedicated to sharing foolproof party recipes and finding the best kitchen tools that won't break the bank, this recipe is a staple in my own festive rotation. It’s exactly the kind of reliable, joyous cooking we celebrate at tfgogogo.com.
Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 cup bread crumbs
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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2 tablespoons grated onion
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cape Cod Glaze:
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1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce (such as Ocean Spray)
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1 ½ cups ketchup
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2 ½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prep: Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, grated onion, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
3.Shape: Using about 2 teaspoons of mixture per meatball, roll into small, uniform balls. Arrange them in a single layer in a large, deep baking dish.
4.Initial Bake: Bake for about 25 minutes, until the meatballs are browned. Remove from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease.
5.Make the Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the cranberry sauce has completely melted and the sugar dissolves into a smooth, glossy sauce.
6.Glaze and Finish: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the browned meatballs. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce forms a beautiful glaze and the meatballs are cooked through.
🍽️ Chef's Secrets for Success
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The Make-Ahead Marvel: This is the perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer. Prepare the meatballs and sauce a full day in advance—store them separately in the fridge, then combine and bake just before your guests arrive. The flavors meld even better!
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Juicy Meatball Tip: For extra-tender meatballs, soak your breadcrumbs in a tablespoon or two of milk for 5 minutes before adding them to the meat mixture. This simple step locks in moisture.
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Sauce Consistency: If your glaze is too thick after baking, thin it with a splash of water or orange juice. If it's too thin, simply simmer it on the stovetop for a few more minutes to reduce.
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Serving in Style: Keep them warm and inviting in a small slow cooker or chafing dish set to "warm." This is one of those affordable, high-utility tools that makes hosting effortless—exactly the kind we love to feature on TFGoGoGo.com.
📊 A Look at the Nutrition
These meatballs are a hearty, protein-packed start to any feast. Based on a full recipe analysis, here's a nutritional snapshot per serving (approx. 2 meatballs):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Energy | ~124 kCal |
| Protein | ~10.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~5.3 g |
| Total Fat | ~6.6 g |
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table
The magic of these Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs lies in their perfect balance. The savory, herbed beef pairs flawlessly with the uniquely American, festive sweetness of the cranberry glaze. They solve the perennial holiday party food dilemma by being universally loved, incredibly easy to manage, and endlessly adaptable (try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a kick, inspired by other creative cranberry sauces).
This recipe embodies our philosophy at TFGoGoGo.com: that great food is about simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor and the practical kitchen tools that make them a joy to prepare. From the sturdy baking dish that browns your meatballs evenly to the saucepan that creates that glossy glaze, having reliable equipment is part of the secret to stress-free cooking.
We hope this recipe becomes a new tradition in your home. For more classic holiday recipes and finds on high-quality, affordable kitchen essentials, visit the full collection on the blog at tfgogogo.com.
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