Introduction

Looking for a show-stopping dish for your Thanksgiving table? These Vegan Thanksgiving Cranberry Meatballs are bursting with holiday flavor. The hearty mushroom-walnut base creates a perfectly textured “meatball,” while the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy cranberry sauce brings a festive flair. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer, main course, or a side, they’re sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegan Thanksgiving Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Vegan Meatballs:

• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 cup stone-ground crackers, blended into crumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chia eggs (see below for instructions)

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 8 ounces jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Crystal)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Make Chia Eggs:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water. Let sit for about 5 minutes until thickened and gel-like.
3. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • Place the crackers in a food processor and blend until they form fine crumbs. Set aside.
   • Add the toasted walnuts, chopped mushrooms, ketchup, soy sauce, dried minced onion, parsley, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined but still retain some texture. Be careful not to overprocess, as you want the mixture to hold together without becoming gummy.
   • Transfer the mushroom-walnut mixture to a large bowl and fold in the cracker crumbs and chia eggs until fully incorporated.
4. Shape and Bake:
   • Roll the mixture into meatballs about 2 heaping tablespoons in size and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and crispy on the outside.
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
   • While the meatballs are baking, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
   • Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat.
6. Toss and Serve:
   • Once the meatballs are finished baking, gently toss them with the cranberry sauce until fully coated.
   • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a festive touch.

Conclusion

These Vegan Thanksgiving Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday spread. The savory “meatballs” paired with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce create a dish that’s comforting and festive. Perfect as an appetizer or centerpiece, they’re a surefire way to make your holiday meal unforgettable. Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving!