Introduction

Holiday meatballs are the kind of party food everyone grabs first—and talks about later. Whether you love sweet, spicy, smoky, or creamy bites, this list brings plenty of mouthwatering ideas. These recipes are simple, crowd-friendly, and perfect for any festive gathering.

1. Classic Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

These sweet-tart meatballs bring bright holiday flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup minced onion
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until browned.
Simmer cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a pan.
Toss baked meatballs in the warm glaze.

How to Serve It

Top with orange zest and fresh rosemary.

2. Sweet & Sour Pineapple Meatballs

A bright, tangy bite that feels warm and festive.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup minced onion
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup pineapple chunks
½ cup chopped red peppers

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and garlic powder.
Form 1-inch balls and bake for 18 minutes.
In a pot, simmer pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Add peppers and pineapple chunks.
Stir in the meatballs and simmer 10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with toothpicks and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

3. Garlic Parmesan Meatballs

These buttery, cheesy bites feel rich and comforting.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Roll into 1-inch balls and bake for 20–22 minutes.
Melt butter in a pan and add parsley.
Toss meatballs in the garlic butter.

How to Serve It

Top generously with more parmesan.

4. Swedish Holiday Meatballs

Creamy, cozy, and always popular at holiday buffets.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup minced onion
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, allspice, and salt.
Bake 18–20 minutes.
Melt butter, whisk in flour, then broth.
Add cream and simmer.
Stir in meatballs and warm through.

How to Serve It

Offer lingonberry jam on the side.

5. BBQ Bourbon Meatballs

Smoky, rich, and a little sweet—perfect for adults.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1 cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup bourbon
2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, and salt.
Bake 18 minutes.
Simmer barbecue sauce, bourbon, and brown sugar.
Toss meatballs in sauce.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with toothpicks.

6. Honey Garlic Holiday Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and always a hit.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Simmer honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Add meatballs and coat well.

How to Serve It

Add sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds.

7. Spicy Sriracha Party Meatballs

A fiery, flavorful option for spice fans.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ cup sriracha
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 18 minutes.
Whisk sriracha, honey, and soy sauce.
Toss meatballs in the glaze.

How to Serve It

Add fresh cilantro for color.

8. Teriyaki Holiday Meatballs

These bring sweet-savory flavor with a festive shine.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp honey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder.
Roll and bake 20 minutes.
Simmer teriyaki and honey.
Add meatballs and coat.

How to Serve It

Top with sesame seeds.

9. Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

A cheesy surprise inside every bite.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
10 small mozzarella cubes
1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, seasoning, and salt.
Wrap each mozzarella cube inside meat mixture.
Bake 20 minutes.
Warm marinara and coat meatballs.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle basil on top.

10. Maple Dijon Holiday Meatball

A sweet, tangy combo that fits the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ cup maple syrup
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Whisk maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar.
Coat meatballs in sauce.

How to Serve It

Add thyme for fragrance.

11. Chili-Lime Party Meatballs

Bright, zesty, and lightly spicy—perfect for lively gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
Juice of 2 limes
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sriracha

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chili powder, and salt.
Roll into balls and bake 18–20 minutes.
Whisk lime juice, honey, and sriracha.
Toss meatballs in the warm glaze.

How to Serve It

Garnish with lime zest and chopped cilantro.

12. Brown Sugar Holiday Meatballs

A sweet, warming option that’s always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt.
Form balls and bake 18 minutes.
Stir brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar over medium heat.
Add meatballs and simmer 10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle a little parsley on top for color.

13. Cheesy Alfredo Meatballs

Rich, creamy, and perfect for comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup grated parmesan
½ tsp salt
2 cups alfredo sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, and salt.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Warm alfredo sauce in a pot.
Add meatballs and simmer a few minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with extra parmesan.

14. Ginger Soy Holiday Meatballs

A savory, fragrant appetizer with a festive shine.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tbsp grated ginger
½ tsp salt
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, ginger, and salt.
Roll and bake 20 minutes.
Whisk soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.
Stir in the meatballs until coated.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

15. Baked Marinara Party Meatballs

A classic Italian-style favorite with timeless flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, seasoning, and salt.
Bake 18–20 minutes.
Warm marinara sauce and add meatballs.
Simmer 10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with basil.

16. Spinach & Feta Meatballs

A Mediterranean-inspired bite with bright, fresh flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 cup chopped spinach
½ cup crumbled feta
½ tsp salt
½ tsp oregano

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, spinach, feta, salt, and oregano.
Roll and bake 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.

17. Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

A sweet, tangy twist that suits any holiday table.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup cranberry sauce
½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt.
Bake 18 minutes.
Heat cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
Stir in meatballs.

How to Serve It

Add rosemary for aroma.

18. Holiday Sausage Stuffing Meatballs

Image Prompt: Meatballs made with sausage and stuffing mix, golden and slightly crispy, served on a holiday tray. No text.

A cozy, nostalgic recipe that tastes like a holiday meal in one bite.

Ingredients

1 lb ground sausage
1 cup dry stuffing mix
1 egg
½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix sausage, stuffing mix, egg, and broth.
Roll and bake 20–22 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.

19. Sweet Chili Holiday Meatballs

Sweet, sticky, and perfect for appetizer trays.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Warm sweet chili sauce and stir in the meatballs.

How to Serve It

Garnish with scallions.

20. Maple Garlic Meatballs

A cozy, sweet-savory blend that fits winter gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ cup maple syrup
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Simmer maple syrup, garlic, and soy sauce.
Add meatballs and coat well.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh thyme.

21. Holiday Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

A tropical twist with warm holiday flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder.
Bake 20 minutes.
Warm teriyaki sauce and add pineapple.
Stir in meatballs.

How to Serve It

Add sesame seeds if you like texture.

22. Creamy Mushroom Meatballs

Earthy, rich, and comforting for cold-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1½ cups beef broth
½ cup cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 18–20 minutes.
Sauté mushrooms in butter.
Add flour and stir.
Pour in broth and cream.
Add meatballs and simmer.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle chopped parsley.

23. Dijon Herb Meatballs

Tangy and savory with a touch of holiday warmth.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup cream
1 tbsp chopped herbs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Mix mustard, cream, and herbs in a pan.
Add meatballs and heat gently.

How to Serve It

Finish with fresh herbs.

24. Spicy Honey Mustard Meatballs

A sweet-spicy combination that’s perfect for snacking.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ cup honey
¼ cup mustard
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 18 minutes.
Whisk honey, mustard, and red pepper flakes.
Toss meatballs in sauce.

How to Serve It

Add more chili flakes for heat.

25. Holiday Orange Glazed Meatballs

Sweet, citrusy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ cup orange marmalade
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
Bake 20 minutes.
Warm marmalade, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Coat meatballs in the glaze.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh orange zest.

Conclusion

These holiday meatball recipes bring a mix of sweet, savory, spicy, and cozy flavors to any celebration. Try your favorites, save a few for party planning, and share them with friends and family who love easy, delicious appetizers.

Emily Carter