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Home » Plant-Based Recipes » Holiday » BBQ Cranberry Black Bean Meatballs

BBQ Cranberry Black Bean Meatballs

By Randi Tisdall · Published: Dec 6, 2017 · Updated: Jan 31, 2022 28 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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Sweet and tangy with a hint of smoke and herbs, these easy BBQ cranberry black bean meatballs are the perfect vegan party food or appetizer for your next holiday get-together! Naturally vegan, gluten free, and soy free, you can make these bean balls from start to finish in just 30 minutes.

And if you’re really rushed, it ain’t no biggie to make them a day ahead, pop them in a travel dish, and heat on arrival. For more vegan party food, serve this delicious smoky vegan cheese ball, easy guacamole and spicy salsa with chips, and this ramen noodle salad too.

picture of black bean meatballs overhead with toothpicks

Black bean meatballs are the perfect vegan party food

Vegan party food can be tricky to serve if you are trying to satisfy tastes across the board.

Picky eaters, or guests that think vegan food is “weird” can certainly throw a wrench (or candy cane?) into your holiday festivities. When I first went vegan back in 2010, I can testify that I personally struggled with trying to create dishes that would satisfy both the veg and the anti-veg, in hopes of being spared from any furrowed brows.

Thankfully, despite self-doubts that set in minutes before any party, I’ve always had an overall positive reaction to my vegan party food.

Yes, there have been times when someone got a little too sloshed on spiked cider and rolled out their list of complaints about vegans, or got hung up on the letters V, E, G, A, N, written in that exact order on the index card in front of my party dish. But mostly, I’ve been quite successful in my attempts to please the hungry crowd (and avoid the line of fire).

Because at the end of the day, when your food tastes good, it makes people happy, regardless if it’s vegan or not. And I always aim to make people happy, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food. Which is why I know that these BBQ cranberry black bean meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any holiday party.

picture of black bean meatballs and sage sprinkled on top

Recipe ingredients

Here’s what you need for these simple black bean meatballs, plus substitutions if needed.

  • Black beans. I like using canned black beans to make this recipe a snap.
  • Rolled oats. This adds texture to your black bean meatballs, and keeps them gluten free.
  • Whole berry cranberry sauce. Be sure to get whole berry, and look out for gelatin (which is not vegan).
  • Mixed nuts. I like to use a simple peanut-free mixture (like pecans, walnuts, pistachios, etc.). You can also substitute with ground flaxseed or gluten free pinko breadcrumbs if needed.
  • BBQ sauce. I like using a sweet tangy BBQ sauce.
  • Liquid smoke. This adds extra smoked flavor. You can also substitute with a teaspoon of smoked paprika if preferred.
  • Fresh sage. This gives your black bean meatballs a little herb flavor and compliments the cranberry.

How to make it

  • Preheat oven to 375º F. Add the black beans, rolled oats, part of the cranberry sauce, the mixed nuts, part of the BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, and sage leaves to a food processor (I use an 11-cup, but this recipe fills only half), and PULSE until mixed, but NOT paste– you want half of it to be chunky.
  • Shape bean mixture into 24 balls and transfer to a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. I like to use a mini ice cream scoop to make this less messy and more uniform. You can scoop out 24 balls and then go back and pack them tighter with your hands. Bake for 20 minutes (turning once halfway) or until golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by heating the rest of the cranberry and BBQ sauce on medium heat in a large skillet. Once it starts bubbling, turn the heat down to low and stir occasionally.
  • Once bean balls are finished baking, transfer to skillet and toss gently in sauce, making sure to fully cover each one evenly with sauce. Transfer to a serving tray. Sprinkle with fresh sage, if desired. You can also pierce each one with a toothpick for guests.
fresh black bean meatballs tossed in sauce

Allergy Information

  • These black bean meatballs are 100% vegan, meaning they are meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. They are also naturally gluten-free and soy-free.
  • To make these nut-free, replace the nuts with ground flaxseed or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Switch it up and use white or pinto beans if you’re not a fan of black beans.

More vegan party food:

  • Smoky vegan cheese ball
  • Easy 4-ingredient guacamole
  • Simple spicy salsa
  • Vegan ramen noodle salad
picture of black bean meatballs on a party tray with toothpicks

BBQ Cranberry Black Bean Meatballs

Randi Tisdall
This party food is so good, no one will care it's vegan. Sweet, tangy, with a hint of smoke and fresh herbs, these BBQ cranberry black bean meatballs are naturally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and can be made from start to finish in less than 30 min. Makes approximately 24 bean balls.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Side Dish
Servings 24
Calories 96 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
 

For the bean balls-

  • 26.8 oz black beans that’s 2 boxes OR cans, drained and rinsed well
  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce no gelatin!
  • 3 tablespoons mixed nuts no peanuts, finely chopped (or substitute ground flaxseed)
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke natural hickory flavor
  • 2 medium fresh sage leaves

For the sauce-

  • ⅔ cup whole berry cranberry sauce no gelatin!
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • Extra fresh sage for garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375º F (190 Cº). Add all bean ball ingredients to a food processor (I use an 11-cup, but this recipe fills only half), and PULSE until mixed, but NOT paste- you want half of it to be chunky.
  • Using a mini ice cream scoop (or your hands, but that can get messy), transfer bean ball mixture one scoop at a time to a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by heating the cranberry and BBQ on medium heat in a large skillet. Once it starts bubbling, turn the heat down to low and stir occasionally.
  • Once bean balls are finished, transfer to skillet and toss gently in sauce, making sure to fully cover each one evenly with sauce. Sprinkle with fresh sage, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Tell me about it + share!Comment and let me know how it was! Then follow BVK on Pinterest @bohemianvegankitchen
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Thank you for taking the time to invest in your heath and happiness!

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

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About Randi Tisdall

I believe that wellness starts in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! That's why I'm dedicated to sharing the best vegan comfort food and healthy recipes. Because at the end of the day, you should feel good about what you eat and how you feel, regardless of health restrictions or crazy schedules. Bohemian Vegan Kitchen has been featured by VegNews, Delish, Beyond Meat, MSN, and HuffPost.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alice

    February 02, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    I tried these. I left out the sage because I didn’t have any, and these were still sooooo goood!! I love that they are allergen-friendly, too! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      February 02, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      Fabulous! Thanks so much for the feedback Alice!! If you enjoyed these, make sure to check out my other bean ball recipe, which you can find here: 5 Ingredient Dairy-Free Mozzarella Bean Balls
      Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to let me know how it went- sending hugs!

      Reply
  2. Amber Harrop

    December 10, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    These look so incredible Randi that I actually PInned them twice lol – Honestly I love the look of these

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 11, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      Awesome! Thanks so much Amber, I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply
  3. Leanna

    December 10, 2017 at 1:31 am

    These look really delicious Randi. I am going to feed my bunch this and not say anything about them being meatless. Looks delicious.

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 11, 2017 at 2:19 pm

      Sweet! I hope they enjoy them- I love cranberry and BBQ together:) I’d love to hear how it goes!

      Reply
  4. Cindy

    December 08, 2017 at 10:47 am

    My family is having an appetizer get together this year and this is going to be on the table! YUM!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 08, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Awesome! Thanks Cindy, I hope you all enjoy it!

      Reply
  5. Dreena Burton

    December 07, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    Randi, these look phenomenal – and I don’t think anyone would know they aren’t meat at a glance!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 08, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you Dreena! Presentation is everything right? Lol.

      Reply
  6. Mary Ellen | VNutrition

    December 07, 2017 at 10:45 am

    Love the song, so perfect for this post!

    I hear you, I’ve had my share of comments as well but more and more people (at least in my family) are beginning to open up with vegan food which makes me so happy.

    These look delicious and I know everyone would love them!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 07, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks Mary Ellen! I’m sure you have made some believers with your food- everything you do looks (and tastes) so good!

      Reply
  7. Linda from Veganosity

    December 07, 2017 at 9:05 am

    Wow, the flavors and textures in these bean balls sound incredible! I need to try these.

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 07, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Thank you Linda! Yes, the flavors are totally on point and delicious! I hope you get to try them!

      Reply
  8. francesca

    December 07, 2017 at 8:45 am

    I never knew bean balls could look SO festive! I’m definitely pinning this to make it during the holidays 🙂
    also: the Ramones singing Merry Christmas are ♥

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 07, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      Lol, YES ♥ to the Ramones. Thanks so much for pinning! I’d love to hear how they turn out:)

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 02, 2021 at 10:53 am

        I want to do a trial run of these to see if y should make them for Christmas, do you think raspberry or strawberry jam could be used as a sub for cranberry sauce for my trial recipe so I don’t have to be make cranberry sauce?

        Reply
        • Randi Tisdall

          December 02, 2021 at 1:12 pm

          Hi Laura, I think raspberry jam could work, although I honestly think it could possibly make it too sweet. The flavor will definitely be different, since cranberries are more tart than sweet. You should be able to find canned cranberry sauce at most major grocery stores, especially during this time of year. That being said, you could always try it since you are doing a test run. If you do I’d love to hear your results. I hope this helps!

          Reply
  9. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day

    December 06, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Great song! And these bean balls look so delicious! I may need to bring them to a party!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 07, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      Thanks Amy!! These always go so fast at my house- I’m sure they would love them!

      Reply

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I believe that wellness starts in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! That’s why I’m dedicated to sharing the best vegan comfort food and healthy recipes. Because at the end of the day, you should feel good about what you eat and how you feel, regardless of health restrictions or crazy schedules.

More about me →

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