Description
Tender, party-perfect meatballs glazed in a glossy cranberry sauce and paired with a cool, herby sour cream dip. Sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 pound, hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor
- Ground pork: 1 pound, adds juiciness and soft texture
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, binds the mixture and keeps meatballs tender
- Eggs: 2 large, help hold everything together
- Onion: 1 small, finely grated for gentle sweetness
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, brings mild heat
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon, adds earthy balance
- Cranberry sauce: 2 cups, forms the sweet tart glaze
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, rounds out cranberry tang
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon, adds savory umami depth
- Sour cream: 1 cup, creamy base for the dip
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped for freshness
- Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped for bright herbal notes
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, balances richness in the dip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme in a large bowl until just mixed.
- Roll mixture into 1 inch meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Simmer cranberry sauce with brown sugar and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until glossy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Toss baked meatballs in the cranberry glaze until well coated.
- Whisk sour cream, parsley, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl, then chill.
- Serve glazed meatballs warm with the chilled sour cream and herb dip.
Notes
- Note: Chill formed meatballs for 15 minutes before baking for better shape.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and consistent cooking.
- Warm the glaze gently and stir often to prevent scorching.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 meatballs with 2 tablespoons dip
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, sour cream herb dip, holiday appetizer, party meatballs, glazed meatballs