Christmas Cherry Bombs
**Christmas Cherry Bombs: The Festive, Flavor-Packed Appetizer**
A holiday gathering deserves a showstopping appetizer, and the Christmas Cherry Bomb delivers exactly that. These are not your average meatballs. Imagine juicy, savory pork and beef meatballs, each crowned with a sweet-tart maraschino cherry and wrapped in a crisp, smoky blanket of bacon. Baked until glistening and caramelized, they offer a perfect symphony of flavors in every bite—salty, sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible. Their festive appearance, with the red cherry “fuse” peeking out, makes them a visual centerpiece for any holiday spread. This dish is hearty, indulgent, and designed to bring joy to your table with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
**Perfect for:**
* Christmas Eve Cocktail Party
* Festive Potluck or Buffet
* Game Day Holiday Gathering
* New Year’s Eve Celebration
* A Special Family Dinner Starter
**Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe**
**Bursting with Flavor:** The combination of seasoned meat, smoky bacon, and the sweet punch of the cherry creates a complex and addictive taste experience that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
**Surprisingly Simple to Assemble:** While they look impressive, these are straightforward to put together. The process is mostly hands-off assembly, followed by baking, freeing you to focus on other dishes.
**The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser:** From kids to grandparents, these flavorful bites have universal appeal. They are easy to eat, perfectly portioned, and disappear from platters with astonishing speed.
**Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the entire tray of cherry bombs hours in advance and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive, making hosting stress-free.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
* Total Time: 50 minutes
* Preparation Time: 25 minutes
* Cooking Time: 25 minutes
* Servings: Approximately 24 cherry bombs
* Calories per serving: Approximately 85-95 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* Calories: 85-95 kcal
* Protein: 5g
* Carbohydrates: 2g
* Fat: 6g
* Fiber: 0g
* Sugar: 1g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* ½ pound ground pork
* ½ pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
* ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
* ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon kosher salt
* ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 24 maraschino cherries with stems, well-drained
* 12 slices thin-cut bacon, each slice cut in half crosswise
* ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, for extra glaze)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix just until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
3. Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the meat mixture (about 1 oz) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a drained maraschino cherry in the center, stem pointing out. Carefully wrap the meat mixture around the cherry, forming a smooth ball that fully encloses the cherry, leaving only the stem exposed.
4. Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the meatball, ensuring the ends of the bacon meet underneath. If using brown sugar, gently roll the wrapped meatball in the sugar to coat lightly.
5. Place the assembled cherry bomb, seam-side down, on the prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture, cherries, and bacon.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-28 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the meatballs are cooked through. For more even browning, you can carefully turn each cherry bomb halfway through the baking time using tongs.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving warm.
**How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bombs**
* Arrange them on a festive platter with a small dish of toothpicks for easy grabbing.
* Serve alongside complementary dips like a creamy horseradish sauce, a sweet and sour dipping sauce, or a simple spiced sour cream.
* For a heartier option, serve them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta as a fun main course.
* Present them as the star of a holiday appetizer board, surrounded by cheeses, crackers, and crudités.
**Additional Tips for Christmas Cherry Bombs**
* For easier handling, lightly wet your hands with cold water when forming the meatballs to prevent sticking.
* Ensure the cherries are very well-drained; pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the meat mixture soggy.
* Using a wire rack is key. It allows heat to circulate around the entire bomb, ensuring the bacon crisps evenly and the fat drips away.
* For a deeper flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of onion powder or a tablespoon of finely minced fresh parsley to the meat mixture.
**Recipe Variations of Christmas Cherry Bombs**
* **Turkey & Herb Version:** Substitute the pork and beef with all ground turkey. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage and thyme to the meat mixture for a lighter, aromatic twist.
* **Sweet & Spicy Version:** Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Before baking, brush the wrapped bombs with a mix of maple syrup and a pinch of chili flakes.
* **Gluten-Free Version:** Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of traditional breadcrumbs.
**Freezing and Storage for Christmas Cherry Bombs**
**Storage:** Store any leftover cooked cherry bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to help re-crisp the bacon.
**Freezing:** These are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bacon and meat can become compromised upon thawing and reheating.
**FAQ Section about Christmas Cherry Bombs**
* **Can I make these without the cherry?** Absolutely. The recipe will still yield delicious bacon-wrapped meatballs. Consider stuffing them with a small cube of cheese instead for a surprise.
* **Can I use toothpicks to secure the bacon?** It’s usually not necessary if you wrap the bacon snugly and place the seam side down on the rack. The bacon contracts as it cooks, holding itself in place.
* **My bacon isn’t getting crisp. What should I do?** If the bacon needs more crisping after the meat is cooked, you can briefly broil the tray for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
* **Can I use pre-cooked bacon?** No, as it will not wrap properly and will overcook and burn before the meatball is done. Raw, thin-cut bacon is essential.
**Conclusion of Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe**
Christmas Cherry Bombs are more than just an appetizer; they are a festive experience. They encapsulate the joy and indulgence of the season in a single, delightful bite. With their stunning presentation and foolproof method, they are guaranteed to earn compliments and become a requested tradition. This year, elevate your holiday table with these bold, flavorful, and unforgettable bites that perfectly capture the spirit of celebration.