Juicy, tender meatballs are elevated with a delightful surprise of melted Brie and tangy cranberries inside. These savory meatballs are perfect for a holiday appetizer or a main course. They’re easy to make, deliciously cheesy, and sure to be a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs
Take a small portion of the meat mixture, flatten it out in your palm, and place a cube of Brie and a few pieces of cranberry in the center. Carefully fold the meat mixture around the filling and roll it into a ball, ensuring the Brie and cranberries are fully enclosed inside.
4. Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and sear them on all sides for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps keep the meatballs intact while baking.
5. Bake the Meatballs
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 75°C (165°F).
6. Serve
Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley. They’re perfect on their own or served alongside cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Helpful Tips
1. Chill the Meatballs
After forming the meatballs, refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes before searing. Chilling helps them hold their shape better while cooking and prevents the filling from leaking out.
2. Cheese Substitution
If Brie isn’t your favorite, you can swap it with goat cheese or cream cheese. Both alternatives offer a creamy texture that melts beautifully inside the meatballs.
3. Make It Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. It’s an easy swap that allows everyone to enjoy these delicious meatballs.
4. Freeze for Later
These meatballs freeze really well. After searing, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Meat Alternatives
If you prefer a different type of meat, ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they may vary slightly.
2. Different Cheeses
Feel free to swap the Brie with goat cheese, cream cheese, or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor. All of these cheeses will provide a creamy and melty filling.
3. Fruit Alternatives
Dried cranberries add a lovely tang, but you can also use dried cherries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a different sweet note inside your meatballs.
4. Herb Variations
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the meatball mixture. These will add a savory, aromatic element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs, sear them, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven!
What If I Don’t Have Brie?
If Brie isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella. These cheeses will still give you that creamy, melty filling that makes these meatballs so special.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are great alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and be sure to cook the meatballs to a safe internal temperature.
How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Leaking Out?
To keep the cheese from leaking out, ensure that the meat mixture fully encloses the Brie and cranberries. Refrigerating the meatballs before searing helps them keep their shape during cooking.
Conclusion
Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with creamy Brie and tart cranberries hidden inside juicy, tender meatballs. They’re simple to prepare, easy to customize, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a holiday gathering or as a main dish, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out today and enjoy the festive flavors in every bite!