How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs sweet and spicy

These cranberry jalapeno meatballs deliver an explosive flavor combination that’s both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing. This comprehensive Recipe transforms ordinary ground meat into extraordinary flavor bombs. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day gathering, or family dinner, these meatballs offer the perfect balance of comfort food appeal and gourmet sophistication.
Ready to create restaurant-quality appetizers in your own kitchen? Let’s get started with this revolutionary dish that will have your visitors clamoring for the recipe’s secret!

Ingredients List

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) – The fat content ensures juicy, tender meatballs
• 1/2 lb ground pork – Adds richness and prevents dryness
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – Creates the perfect texture
• 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion – Provides aromatic base
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor depth
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances all flavors
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds subtle heat

For the Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries – The star ingredient for tartness
• 2-3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and minced – Adjustable heat level
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Balances the tartness
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This gives it brightness and acidity.Make
• 1/4 cup water – Helps create the sauce consistency
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – Adds warmth and complexity

If you like spicy taste, also try Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip with Jalapeño flavor

Recipe Options:

• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option
• Use frozen cranberries when fresh aren’t available
• Replace jalapeños with serrano peppers for extra heat
• Add orange zest for citrus brightness

Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – For combining meatball ingredients
• Medium saucepan – For creating the cranberry jalapeño sauce
• Large skillet or baking sheet – For cooking the meatballs
• Meat thermometer – Ensures proper doneness (165°F internal temperature)
• Fine-mesh strainer – Optional, for smoother sauce texture

Timing Guide for Perfect Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serves: 6-8 people (approximately 24 meatballs)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture (5 minutes)

1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper using your hands or a fork
2. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated – overmixing creates dense, tough cranberry jalapeno meatballs
3. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be compacted
4. Pro Tip: Wet your hands with cold water when handling the mixture to prevent sticking and ensure smooth rolling

Step 2: Form the Meatballs (8 minutes)

1. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (approximately 24 pieces)
2. Roll each portion between your palms with gentle pressure to create uniform spheres
3. sure the formed meatballs don’t touch when you place them on a platter coated with paper.
4. Visual Aid Tip: Consistent sizing ensures even cooking – aim for golf ball-sized portions
5. Time-Saver: Form all meatballs before starting to cook for efficient workflow

Step 3: Create the Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce (7 minutes)

1. Combine fresh cranberries, minced jalapeños, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and grated ginger in a medium saucepan
2. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until cranberries pop and release their juices
4. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and achieve a glossy, thick consistency
5. Pro Tip: Taste and adjust jalapeños for your preferred heat level – remember, you can always add more spice. If you are a fan of spicy taste, I recommend this special recipe Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup with the addition of red pepper flakes and chopped jalapeños to enhance the spicy taste

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs (10 minutes)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
2. Gently drop the meatballs into the heated oil, allowing space between them.
3. For equal caramelization, brown the meatballs on both sides, rotating them every two to three minutes (8–10 minutes total).
4. Crucial Step: To maintain the right heat, avoid packing the pan too full and cook in two batches if needed.Cover the browned meatballs
5. Temperature Check: Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety

Step 5: Combine and Finish (5 minutes)

1. Pour the prepared cranberry jalapeno sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld
3. Using a large spoon, carefully toss to coat all cranberry jalapeno meatballs evenly with the glossy sauce
4. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving
5. Serving Tip: Let cranberry jalapeno meatballs rest for 2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly And since you add jalapeños, it seems that you are a fan of spicy food You can also follow the Cajun Seafood Boil spicy recipe on our website.

Pro Cooking Tips

Expert Advice for Perfect Results:

• Temperature Control: Keep oil at medium-high heat to prevent burning while ensuring proper browning
• Moisture Retention: Don’t press down on meatballs while cooking – this releases juices
• Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Meatballs can be formed and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking

Serving Suggestions

Creative Serving Ideas:

Transform your cranberry jalapeno meatballs into versatile crowd-pleasers with these inspired serving suggestions:

Appetizer Presentation:

• Serve on toothpicks with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping
• Arrange on a wooden board with crackers and cheese
• What to serve with cranberry jalapeno meatballs: Creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, or roasted Brussels sprouts
• What sauce goes with cranberry jalapeno meatballs: Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or additional cranberry sauce for extra sweetness

Mistakes to Avoid

Critical Pitfalls and Solutions:

Mistake 1: Dry, Crumbly Meatballs
Solution: Use a mixture of ground beef and pork, don’t overbake

Mistake 2: Sauce Too Sweet or Too Spicy
Solution: Taste and adjust during cooking – add vinegar for tartness, sugar for sweetness

Mistake 3: Uneven Cooking
Solution: Make uniform-sized meatballs and don’t overcrowd the pan

Mistake 4: Sauce Separation
Solution: Don’t boil the sauce vigorously; gentle simmering prevents breaking

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (4 meatballs with sauce):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 420 mg

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping recipe? Try these cranberry jalapeno meatballs today and discover why they’re becoming the most requested appetizer at dinner parties everywhere. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below, subscribe for more innovative recipes, and let us know how you customized this recipe to make it your own!

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs sweet and spicy

By Nancy

Hosting dinner guests? Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs make a tasty, spicy starter they'll remember. Learn how to make them right!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend – The fat content ensures juicy, tender meatballs
• ½ lb ground pork – Adds richness and prevents dryness
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Creates the perfect texture
• ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion – Provides aromatic base
• 3 cloves garlic minced – Essential for flavor depth
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances all flavors
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds subtle heat

For the Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cranberries – The star ingredient for tartness
• 2-3 fresh jalapenos seeded and minced – Adjustable heat level
• ½ cup brown sugar – Balances the tartness
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: This gives it brightness and acidity.Make
• ¼ cup water – Helps create the sauce consistency
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated – Adds warmth and complexity

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture (5 minutes)

• In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper using your hands or a fork
• Mix just until ingredients are incorporated – overmixing creates dense, tough cranberry jalapeno meatballs
• The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be compacted
• Pro Tip: Wet your hands with cold water when handling the mixture to prevent sticking and ensure smooth rolling

Step 2: Form the Meatballs (8 minutes)

• Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (approximately 24 pieces)
• Roll each portion between your palms with gentle pressure to create uniform spheres
• sure the formed meatballs don’t touch when you place them on a platter coated with paper.
• Visual Aid Tip: Consistent sizing ensures even cooking – aim for golf ball-sized portions
• Time-Saver: Form all meatballs before starting to cook for efficient workflow

Step 3: Create the Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce (7 minutes)

• Combine fresh cranberries, minced jalapeños, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and grated ginger in a medium saucepan
• Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until cranberries pop and release their juices
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking and achieve a glossy, thick consistency

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs (10 minutes)

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
• Gently drop the meatballs into the heated oil, allowing space between them.
• For equal caramelization, brown the meatballs on both sides, rotating them every two to three minutes (8–10 minutes total).
• Crucial Step: To maintain the right heat, avoid packing the pan too full and cook in two batches if needed.Cover the browned meatballs
• Temperature Check: Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety

Step 5: Combine and Finish (5 minutes)

• Pour the prepared cranberry jalapeno sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet
• Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld
• Using a large spoon, carefully toss to coat all cranberry jalapeno meatballs evenly with the glossy sauce
• Final Touch: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving

Notes

Expert Advice for Perfect Results

 

• Temperature Control: Keep oil at medium-high heat to prevent burning while ensuring proper browning
• Moisture Retention: Don’t press down on meatballs while cooking – this releases juices
• Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Meatballs can be formed and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking

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Per Serving (4 meatballs with sauce)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Keyword Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs, cranberry, jalapeno, meatballs, party food, holiday, spicy, sweet and spicy, slow cooker, crockpot, game day, Thanksgiving, Christmas