Gather your loved ones around the table for a festive feast with these Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs! These juicy, flavor-packed bites are the perfect appetizer or main dish to grace your holiday spread. Infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, they’re sure to delight and impress your guests. Let’s dive in and discover the story behind this delightful recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs for Festive Feasts
These Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for your festive gatherings. The meatballs are incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the use of ground turkey and a blend of savory seasonings. The cranberry glaze adds a delightful tangy-sweet note that perfectly complements the rich, bold flavors. With their vibrant, glistening appearance and irresistible aroma, these meatballs are sure to be the star of your holiday table. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepped in advance, making them a stress-free addition to your menu.
Ingredients
To create these Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. The base of the meatballs is ground turkey, which provides a lean and delicious foundation. You’ll also need breadcrumbs, an egg, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, sage, and thyme. The cranberry glaze is made with a homemade cranberry sauce that’s infused with warm spices and a touch of honey for sweetness.
- 1 pound – Ground turkey
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Diced onion
- 1 teaspoon – Dried sage
- 1 teaspoon – Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons – Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground beef (both work well and provide a similar flavor profile)
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs (for a dietary-friendly swap)
How to Make Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs for Festive Feasts
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delightful Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the turkey mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving dish and generously spoon the cranberry glaze over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle heat.
- Herbal Notes: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the flavor profile.
- Creamy Glaze: Stir in a touch of cream cheese or sour cream to the cranberry sauce for a creamier glaze.
- Appetizer Bites: Serve the meatballs on toothpicks or skewers for an easy, portable appetizer option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage: The cooked meatballs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cranberry glaze can be stored separately and reheated as needed.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The uncooked meatballs can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The cranberry glaze can also be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
These Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, thanks to the use of lean ground turkey. Each serving (3 meatballs) provides approximately 200 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 8 grams of carbohydrates. The cranberry glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness without too much added sugar.
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender?
To keep the meatballs juicy and tender, be sure not to overmix the turkey mixture. Gently incorporate the ingredients until just combined, and avoid compacting the meatballs too much when shaping them.
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! The uncooked meatballs can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The cranberry glaze can also be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat the frozen meatballs in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
What should I serve with the Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs?
These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of holiday sides, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry walnut salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or a hearty winter vegetable medley.
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Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs for Festive Feasts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer. Tender turkey meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, making them a delightful addition to any holiday feast.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Cook over medium heat until heated through and slightly thickened.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the cranberry glaze until well coated.
7. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a bit of heat.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
They pair wonderfully with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Turkey, Meatballs, Cranberry, Holiday, Appetizer