This is a quick and easy meatball recipe that will be great for any party - holiday, tailgate, game night... so many options. I used apple jelly and apple juice. I loved the flavors of the sweet apple combined with tangy chili sauce. Between the chili sauce and few dashes of hot sauce, this gives the sauce a little spice but not...
Provided by Edith Kehoe
Categories Meat Appetizers
Time 4h15m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Combine chili sauce, preferred jam, juice, and hot sauce in large slow cooker. There will be lumps, but not to worry they will disappear as the sauce cooks.
- 2. Add frozen meatballs to slow cooker. Cover.
- 3. Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir occasionally. Serve.
- 4. I sometimes increase the hot sauce, depending on the crowd. Can also be made in the oven. Cook at 325 for 90 minutes.
ABSOLUTE BEST HOLIDAY MEATBALLS, CROCK POT (OR NOT)
Our take on the traditional grape jelly meatballs. We have tried lots of this kind of recipe, and find we like this one best. It is a "must have" for any holiday party or football get together. If I don't serve this, there will be no place I can hide....
Provided by PalatablePastime
Categories Meat
Time 35m
Yield 4 pounds meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place ketchup, jelly, hot sauce, garlic powder and onion flakes in a small saucepan, and stir over medium heat until jelly melts and everything is well mixed.
- Place meatballs in a crock pot or large sauce pan and cover with sauce, stirring to mix everything up.
- Heat on low setting for 20 minutes on the stove or several hours in the crock pot, until meatballs are hot and sauce sticks to them well. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 823.6, Fat 0.8, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 2614.3, Carbohydrate 215.5, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 167, Protein 4.6
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. -Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 30m
Yield about 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls., Place a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with waxed paper; microwave on high until cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat twice with remaining meatballs., In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, mix sauce ingredients. Microwave, covered, on high until heated through, 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway. Gently stir in meatballs. Microwave, covered, on high until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 71 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.
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A Guide to the Absolute Best Holiday Meatballs (Crock Pot or Not)
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start planning the perfect holiday spread. No holiday feast is complete without a hearty, delicious appetizer, and meatballs are a classic choice. But what makes a truly great holiday meatball recipe? Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for the absolute best recipe.
Flavor
The key to a great holiday meatball recipe is, of course, flavor. Your meatballs should be juicy, flavorful, and full of delicious spices and herbs. Think about what tastes you want to highlight – do you want something savory and smoky, or something sweet and tangy? Experiment with different combinations of ingredients until you find the perfect balance. Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning levels to your taste.
Texture
Another important factor to consider is texture. You want your meatballs to be tender and juicy, without being too dense or wet. The ideal texture will depend on your personal preference and the cooking method you choose. For slow-cooked meatballs, you’ll want a slightly softer texture than you would for oven-baked ones. Be sure to mix your ingredients thoroughly and use the right ratio of meat to filler to achieve the perfect texture.
Cooking Method
There are a few different ways to cook meatballs, and each method will yield a slightly different result. Crock pot meatballs are a popular choice for the holidays because they allow you to prepare the dish in advance and keep it warm throughout the day. However, oven-baked meatballs can be just as delicious, if not more so, depending on the recipe. Pan-fried meatballs are a great option if you’re looking for something quick and easy. Consider the time and effort required for each cooking method and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Sauce
A great meatball recipe is only as good as its sauce. Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based sauce or something more exotic, the sauce can make or break the dish. If you’re making your own sauce, experiment with different flavors and seasonings until you find the perfect balance. If you’re short on time or prefer a store-bought sauce, look for high-quality options with natural ingredients and no added preservatives.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve chosen the perfect meatball recipe, don’t forget about the presentation. Consider how you’ll serve your meatballs – on a platter with toothpicks, in small bowls with a spoon, or in a crock-pot for easy self-serving. Don’t forget the garnishes either – fresh herbs, grated cheese, and toasted breadcrumbs can all add an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion
In the end, the absolute best holiday meatballs will depend on your personal preferences and cooking abilities. Whether you choose a tried-and-true family recipe or venture into new culinary territory, remember to focus on flavor, texture, cooking method, sauce, and presentation. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’re sure to create a dish that will be the hit of the holiday season.
Holiday meatballs are delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you want to make them in a crockpot or not, it is essential to have the right tips to make the best meatballs that everybody will love. In this article, we will explore different valuable tips to help you make the absolute best holiday meatballs.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Meat
The first thing to consider when making meatballs is the type of meat you want to use. Ideally, you want to select a meat that has a higher fat content, such as ground chuck or beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. This will ensure that your meatballs are juicy and tender.
Tip 2: Use Fresh Ingredients
Another critical tip for making the best holiday meatballs is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables will add flavor and texture to your meatballs, making them more delicious. Avoid using dried herbs and pre-packaged seasonings, as they often lack the robust and rich flavor of fresh ingredients.
Tip 3: Create a Flavorful Meatball Mix
Creating a flavorful meatball mix is essential to making delicious meatballs. You want to mix your chosen meat with different herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, and eggs. You can use different combinations of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect recipe.
Tip 4: Do Not Overmix
When mixing your meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix them. Overmixing can break down the meat protein, resulting in tough and dry meatballs. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to ensure that your meatballs stay juicy and tender.
Tip 5: Use a Cookie Scoop
When shaping meatballs, use a cookie scoop. A cookie scoop will ensure that all your meatballs are the same size, which will help them cook evenly. It will also make your job easier and more efficient.
Tip 6: Brown Your Meatballs
Browning your meatballs before adding them to the crockpot or oven is essential. When you brown the meatballs, you seal in the juices, making them more flavorful and tender. Browning also adds a nice color to your meatballs, making them more appetizing.
Tip 7: Use the Right Sauce
To make delicious holiday meatballs, you need to use the right sauce. Whether you want to use a sweet and sour sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, or gravy, ensure that it complements the flavor of your meatballs. The sauce should be thick, rich, and flavorful.
Tip 8: Add Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your meatballs can help make them more nutritious, flavorful, and colorful. You can add diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, or kale, depending on your taste preferences. Vegetables will also add texture and flavor to your meatballs, making them more delicious.
Tip 9: Cook Low and Slow
Whether you are using a crockpot or not, cooking your meatballs low and slow is crucial. Slow cooking will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. If you are using a crockpot, cook the meatballs on low for four to six hours, or on high for two to three hours.
Tip 10: Serve with the Right Sides
Finally, serving your meatballs with the right sides will make your meal complete. You can serve meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or salad. Ensure that your sides complement the flavor of your meatballs.
Conclusion
Making the absolute best holiday meatballs requires patience, attention to detail, and creativity. With these valuable tips, you can create delicious, tender, and flavorful meatballs that your family and friends will love. Remember to choose the right meat, use fresh ingredients, create a flavorful meatball mix, brown your meatballs, use the right sauce, add vegetables, cook low and slow, and serve with the right sides.
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