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Best Mini Meatballs Recipe with Cranberry BBQ Glaze

These Mini Meatballs in Cranberry BBQ Sauce combine juicy, savory beef with tangy cranberry and smoky BBQ flavors. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or casual gatherings, these bite-sized appetizers are quick, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear from the table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 –26 mini meatballs (6 servings)
Course: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko recommended
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce jellied or whole berry
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire in a bowl until just combined.
  3. Form into 1-inch mini meatballs (24–26 total) and place on baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  5. Meanwhile, simmer cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan for 5 minutes until glossy.
  6. Toss hot meatballs in warm sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Toss meatballs with sauce while both are hot for maximum flavor adhesion. Garnish with rosemary or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.