Introduction
Holiday meatballs are a party favorite because they’re easy to serve, endlessly customizable, and always disappear fast. Whether you like sweet, savory, tangy, or spicy flavors, this list has something for every gathering. Here are 23 delicious versions perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
1. Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
A perfect balance of sweet cranberry and gentle heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Shape into 1-inch balls.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Simmer cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and sugar.
- Toss meatballs in the warm glaze.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh chopped parsley.
2. Garlic Parmesan Holiday Meatballs
Creamy, rich, and perfect for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream and parmesan.
- Toss cooked meatballs in sauce.
How to Serve It
Top with extra parmesan.
3. Maple Dijon Holiday Meatballs
A sweet mustard flavor that’s great for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 16 minutes.
- Heat mustard, maple, and soy until smooth.
- Combine with meatballs.
4. BBQ Cranberry Party Meatballs
Smoky BBQ meets bright cranberry flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Warm sauces together and coat meatballs.
5. Honey Garlic Holiday Meatballs
A sweet, garlicky bite everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F for 14–16 minutes.
- Simmer honey, garlic, and soy to make glaze.
- Coat meatballs.
6. Swedish Holiday Party Meatballs
Comforting and cozy for winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup broth
- ½ cup cream
Instructions
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 16 minutes.
- Make gravy with butter, flour, broth, and cream.
- Add meatballs to the sauce.
7. Tangy Orange Glazed Meatballs
A citrusy glaze that tastes fresh and festive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Bake meatballs at 400°F.
- Heat marmalade and soy.
- Combine and coat.
8. Slow Cooker Holiday Party Meatballs
Effortless and perfect for serving all night.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3 hours.
9. Teriyaki Glazed Christmas Meatballs
Sweet, savory, and great on skewers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Warm teriyaki sauce and coat meatballs.
10. Spiced Apple Holiday Meatballs
A warm, fruity flavor perfect for seasonal parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup apple jelly
- ¼ cup apple cider
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F for 18 minutes.
- Heat jelly and cider.
- Coat meatballs.
11. Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs
A sweet-spicy combo that gets attention.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F.
- Warm cranberry sauce.
- Add jalapeño slices before serving.
12. Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatballs
Deep, warm flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Simmer bourbon and sugar until thick.
- Coat meatballs.
13. Ginger Soy Holiday Meatballs
Bright, savory, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Bake 15 minutes at 400°F.
- Heat soy and ginger.
- Toss with meatballs.
14. Chili Honey Glazed Meatballs
A bold bite with sweet heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp chili sauce
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F.
- Heat honey and chili sauce.
- Coat meatballs.
15. Basil Marinara Holiday Meatballs
Classic, hearty, and dependable for any spread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F.
- Warm marinara and add meatballs.
16. Pineapple Teriyaki Holiday Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup teriyaki
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Simmer teriyaki and pineapple.
- Combine.
17. Mushroom Gravy Holiday Meatballs
A cozy, comforting option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup broth
- ½ cup cream
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F.
- Make gravy with mushrooms, broth, and cream.
- Add meatballs.
18. Apricot Glazed Party Meatballs
Sweet and tangy with a smooth finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Heat preserves and soy.
- Toss together.
19. Holiday Sriracha Meatballs
A fiery option for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup sriracha
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F.
- Mix sriracha and honey.
- Coat meatballs.
20. Garlic Herb Holiday Meatballs
Savory and aromatic with simple flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs
- 2 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Brush with garlic herb butter.
21. Cherry Balsamic Meatballs
Deep and tangy with a sweet finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Reduce cherry preserves and balsamic.
- Coat meatballs.
22. Holiday Grape Jelly Meatballs
A retro holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Heat jelly and chili sauce.
- Toss meatballs in sauce.
23. Festive Pomegranate Glazed Meatballs
Bright, tart, and beautifully colorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Reduce pomegranate juice with sugar until thick.
- Coat meatballs.
How to Serve It
Add pomegranate arils for color.
Conclusion
Holiday meatballs always bring fun flavor and easy serving to parties. Whether you love sweet, spicy, tangy, or creamy sauces, these recipes help you create a memorable spread for any gathering. Save this list for later and share it with friends hosting holiday celebrations!
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