Description
These Mini Meatball Christmas Skewers are the ultimate holiday appetizer—juicy beef meatballs brushed with tangy cranberry barbecue glaze and layered with festive red and green peppers for a sweet-savory bite everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- Skewers or cocktail sticks
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix beef, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and firm.
5. Meanwhile, make glaze: combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened.
6. Brush glaze over warm meatballs and broil for 2–3 minutes for a shiny finish.
7. Thread meatballs and bell peppers onto skewers, alternating colors.
8. Serve warm and garnish with rosemary or fresh cranberries.
Notes
Make meatballs ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days.
Reheat and glaze before serving.
Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
