Have you ever had savory cranberry meatballs? This super easy holiday recipe is the best cranberry meatballs appetizer you may have never heard of, right? Kinda like Swedish meatballs, but with a zesty kick!
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine all meatball ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Do not overmix.
Measure about 1 ½ Tablespoons for each meatball using a cookie scoop to make about 12 - 15 meatballs. Roll in into balls and place on prepared baking tray, leaving space between each one.
Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Cranberry Sauce
Meanwhile, heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and fennel seeds and cook 3-5 minutes or until fragrant.
Add cranberries, brown sugar, water, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and thyme sprig. Cook 5-6 minutes or until simmering and cranberries begin to pop.
Continue cooking until thickened and reduced, about 10 minutes.
Remove thyme and add the meatballs to the saucepan, tossing to coat.