Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment for many festive meals, but have you ever considered presenting it in a delightful and fun way? Our ball cranberry sauce recipe transforms the traditional sauce into bite-sized, elegant spheres that are perfect for holiday parties, casual dinners, or even as a unique appetizer.
These cranberry balls are not only visually appealing but also burst with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to elevate your cranberry game, this recipe will add a touch of creativity and flavor to your table.
What makes these cranberry balls special is their texture and presentation. Unlike regular sauce that can be messy and runny, these balls hold their shape beautifully, making serving and eating a breeze.
Plus, they can be customized with various coatings and mix-ins to suit your taste buds. If you love experimenting with classic dishes and want to impress your guests with something both tasty and Instagram-worthy, keep reading to discover how to make these easy cranberry balls from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ball cranberry sauce recipe offers a fresh twist on a holiday staple. Instead of the usual spooned sauce, these cranberry balls provide a neat, elegant presentation that adds flair to any meal.
They are perfect bite-sized treats that are easy to serve at parties or family dinners.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.
The process is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Lastly, these cranberry balls are versatile. You can coat them with nuts, coconut, or chocolate, giving you plenty of options to accommodate different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
Plus, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from savory roasts to simple sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for coating)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional for coating)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender (optional, for smoother texture)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Spoon or small cookie scoop
- Plastic wrap or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the orange zest, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
- Cool the cranberry mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. You can speed this up by transferring it to a bowl and refrigerating for 30 minutes until chilled.
- Process the sauce: For a smoother consistency that’s easier to shape into balls, pulse the cooled cranberry sauce in a food processor or blender until it becomes a thick but moldable paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.
- Shape the cranberry balls: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the cranberry mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat the balls: Roll each cranberry ball in powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to coat. You can also mix and match coatings for variety. The coating adds texture and helps prevent sticking.
- Chill and set: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cranberry balls for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the cranberry balls on a serving platter. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips & Variations
For a fun twist, try adding a splash of bourbon or brandy to the cranberry sauce before cooking for a boozy depth of flavor.
If you want to make these vegan-friendly and allergy-conscious, skip the nut coating and use shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried cranberries instead.
For a sweeter version, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup or add a drizzle of maple syrup when shaping the balls.
To make cranberry balls more festive, roll them in colored sanding sugar or drizzle with melted dark chocolate after they have chilled.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cranberry ball) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Vitamin C | 5% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Try them alongside your favorite holiday roast or turkey for a beautiful and tasty side dish.
They also work wonderfully as a topping on vegan grilled sandwiches to add a burst of tart flavor—check out some Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to get inspired.
For a lighter option, serve cranberry balls with fresh greens or a vegan cheese platter, such as the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor. You can also pair them with simple crackers or spread on toast for a tangy snack.
If you’re interested in exploring more creative vegan recipes to complement your cranberry balls, take a look at our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for convenient and flavorful ideas perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
This ball cranberry sauce recipe is a fantastic way to reinvent a beloved classic. Its unique shape and delightful texture make it a memorable addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season.
Not only is it simple to prepare, but the recipe also offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to tailor the flavors and coatings to your liking.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a new take on cranberry sauce, these cranberry balls bring both taste and style to your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and serving ideas provided, and be sure to explore our other delicious recipes to round out your culinary repertoire.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Ball Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Description: A classic homemade cranberry sauce perfect for holiday meals. This recipe yields a tangy and sweet sauce with a smooth texture.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and discard any soft ones.
- Combine sugar, water, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 0.2 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbs: 28 g
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