These Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs are a tasty blend of sweet and spicy! They’re made with ground meat, tangy cranberry sauce, and a kick of chipotle for a unique flavor.
Perfect for parties, they disappear fast! Just pop them in a slow cooker or oven, and enjoy the compliments. I love serving them with toothpicks; it makes munching so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using a mix of beef and pork creates a juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as lean meats can dry out quickly.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, or even crushed crackers or oats for a different texture!
Onion: Grated or finely chopped onion adds moisture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of onion, consider using shallots or even onion powder as a substitute, though fresh will give the best taste.
Chipotle Peppers: These provide a nice smoky heat! If you want less spice, try diced bell peppers or a little smoked paprika instead for that smoky flavor without the heat.
BBQ Sauce: Using your favorite BBQ sauce gives these meatballs a sweet and tangy kick. You could swap it for teriyaki or sweet chili sauce based on your taste preferences.
How Do I Get the Perfect Meatball Texture?
Getting the right texture for meatballs is all about balancing ingredients and how you mix them. Here are some tips:
- Mix the meat with other ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Don’t skip the bread! Breadcrumbs help keep moisture in.
- Shape meatballs uniformly. This ensures even cooking.
- Use a thermometer! Cook to an internal temp of 160°F (71°C) for beef, ensuring they’re juicy but safe.
These tips will help you achieve that nice tender consistency everyone loves. Happy cooking!
Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion or finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers can)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cranberries
- Sprigs of rosemary (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 15 minutes of prep time and about 25 minutes of cooking time, which makes a total of around 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious meatballs. They make for a quick and tasty appetizer for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give a light greasing to a baking dish. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently mix everything together until combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet or in the greased baking dish.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. Make the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan. Combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until everything is well mixed and slightly thickened.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, gently transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss everything together so each meatball is well coated with the sweet and spicy cranberry chipotle sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make your meatballs look festive, garnish each one with a fresh cranberry and a small sprig of rosemary. You can secure them with a toothpick for an easy grab-and-go option.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the meatballs warm as a delicious appetizer. They’re perfect for parties, celebrations, or any get-together. Enjoy the unique sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean substitute for beef in this recipe. Just be cautious to not overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than beef.
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time! Prepare them and then refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve These Meatballs With?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy snacking, but you can also serve them over rice, pasta, or in slider buns for a heartier meal. They make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board too!
