Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Inspired by Kristoff’s loyal reindeer Sven, these tender meatballs glazed with a sweet-tart lingonberry sauce are perfect for a winter appetizer. This general-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 General cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely diced onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 24 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup lingonberry jam, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Thread 3 meatballs onto each wooden skewer, brush generously with the lingonberry glaze, and dust with 1 tbsp powdered sugar to create a snow-dusted effect before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Snow-Covered Reindeer Meatball Skewers with Lingonberry Glaze?

General grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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