Cranberry Glazed BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Cranberry Glazed BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or even game days. Combining the savory richness of a classic cheeseburger with the smoky goodness of BBQ sauce and the sweet-tart bite of cranberry glaze, these meatballs are an irresistible fusion of flavors. Each bite is packed with crispy bacon, juicy beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a bold BBQ sauce that’s balanced by the cranberry glaze. The cranberry element adds a seasonal touch, making this dish perfect for festive occasions. What’s even better? These meatballs are bite-sized, making them easy to serve as finger food or appetizers. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a hearty snack, these Cranberry Glazed BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs will leave your guests asking for more. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in under an hour, making them a convenient option for busy hosts.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
5. Prepare Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through and combined.
6. Glaze Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the cranberry BBQ glaze.
7. Bake Again: Return the glazed meatballs to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to set the glaze.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

How to Prepare

Start by cooking your bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown. While the meatballs cook, make the cranberry BBQ glaze by heating BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a small saucepan. After the meatballs are baked, brush them with the glaze and bake for a few more minutes until the glaze sets. They are now ready to be served!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

Makes 20-24 meatballs, serving 6-8 people.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?
A: Yes! You can use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a lighter version.

Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Just add the glaze and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Thaw them in the fridge and glaze before reheating in the oven.

Q4: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique flavor.

Q5: Can I make the glaze spicier?
A: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cranberry BBQ glaze for extra heat.

Conclusion

Cranberry Glazed BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the ultimate holiday appetizer or party snack. Their sweet and smoky glaze makes them stand out, while the savory cheeseburger-inspired filling is comforting and delicious. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a family meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and offer the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Best of all, they’re customizable—swap in your favorite cheese, use a different meat, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve them with toothpicks for a festive presentation, and you’ll have a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Print