Friday, November 1, 2013

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

Well here it is folks, if you're looking for an appy you can be guaranteed Great Aunt Gertie isn't bringing to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner these Italian Sausage Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze are it! Love using sausage, it's fun to make meatballs from something other than ground beef. The glaze is sweet ~but not overly sweet~ it's tangy ~but not overly tangy~ and it turns into this great thick sauce that totally coats and sticks to the meatballs!
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Bring some fun seasonal toothpicks and you'll be golden:@)
Feeding a bigger crowd? The original recipe says there is enough cranberry glaze for 1 lb of meatballs and a pack of little cocktail sausages. Want to test it out before the holidays? I'm sure there's a football fan or two that would love to be your guinea pig:@)

Comments from the original recipe: After fully cooking it can be kept warm in a crock pot on low. Instead of the cocktail sausages just double the Italian sausage recipe or add sliced kielbasa (I really like the kielbasa idea). 

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze-adapted from Taste of Home
1 egg
1 small onion, finely diced
3/4 C bread crumbs
1 Tblsp dried parsley flakes, crumble while adding
1 Tblsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1 lb Italian sausage, either bulk or links with the casing removed
1 (14oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
3 Tblsp cider vinegar
2 Tblsp brown sugar
1 Tblsp prepared mustard
1 package miniature smoked sausage-optional
  1. Mix first 7 ingredients and form into 1" meatballs.
  2. Cook in skillet to 160 degrees, drain.
  3. Mix everything else in separate large pot, except mini sausage (if using), and cook over medium heat until cranberry sauce has melted. 
  4. Add meatballs and mini sausage, stir, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through. 
Serve Great Aunt Gertie a killer meatball and have a happy day:@)

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22 comments:

  1. I'm always looking for more ways to use cranberries. I really like their tangy flavor. I can definitely see these on cocktail sausages or kielbasa too.
    Sam

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  2. Because I am always eating when I read your blog. I anticipate leaving hungry.

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  3. I do believe the men in my family would love these, especially since they are made with Italian sausage. This recipe is a must try.

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  4. My mom used to make a similar recipe with cocktail sausages and grape jelly and something else and people raved! I love the idea of Italian sausage and this is already pinned to my football food board, can't wait to try it!
    Jenna

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  5. You had me at meatballs! Sausage and cranberry...oh my!

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  6. What a great idea! The Cranberry Glaze is perfect with the spicy meatball!!

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  7. Boy, does THIS look tasty, Lynn! I buy DiRusso's frozen meatballs at Sam's club & have them on hand all the time. They are the BEST but this would be a fun & different way to serve them. Thanks for sharing the idea.

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  8. forgot to say MEGA DITTO to the idea of using it with kielbasa!!!!

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  9. I'd be happy to test this out before Thanksgiving and I'll bet my son would be happy, too. I hope Earl doesn't mind the sausage part!

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  10. Earl...it sounds like you are mistreated around that place....sausage??? I know that makes you shudder !!
    Lynn, these do sound amazing. :)

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  11. These meatballs looked so tasty I can't remember if I left a comment or not! Well just in case I wanted to say hi, I found your recipe through google plus and pinned it for later! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  12. This is something I wish someone would make and bring to me. (Hint)

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  13. These sound really really tasty.
    I would love if you could stop by and share on my weekly recipe linky, Kids and a Mom in the Kitchen
    http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2013/10/kids-and-mom-in-kitchen-60-pumpkin.html

    Have a great day!

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  14. These look oh so good Lynn! There is no Aunt Gertie in our family :) and I love the idea of using Italian Sausage, the cranberry glaze looks amazing!

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  15. Just when I thought my hot Italian sausages couldn't get any better.

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  16. Your meatballs look really tasty, Lynn. Yum!

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  17. I just love the glaze for your meatballs, Lynn. These will be perfect for our holiday parties! Hope you are having a great day and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

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