Gather your loved ones and get ready to savor the flavors of the season with these Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Drizzle. This delightful dish combines the richness of maple and bourbon with the tart freshness of cranberries, creating a truly festive and irresistible appetizer or main course. Let’s dive in and uncover the story behind this comforting and craveable creation.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Drizzle
These meatballs are a true flavor sensation, blending the warm, cozy notes of maple and bourbon with the bright, zesty kick of cranberries. The turkey meat keeps the dish light and lean, while the crispy outer layer and juicy, melty interior deliver a satisfying texture in every bite. This recipe is the perfect balance of indulgence and mindfulness, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for any festive gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this recipe include ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, maple syrup, bourbon, cranberries, and a few pantry staples. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- 1 lb – Ground turkey
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 1 – Egg
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Onion, diced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground beef (for a different protein source)
- Breadcrumbs: Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs (for a gluten-free version)
How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Drizzle
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 1: Prep Work
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup and bourbon. Brush the meatballs generously with the maple bourbon glaze, ensuring each one is evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the meatballs until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. While the meatballs are in the oven, make the cranberry drizzle by combining the cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle the vibrant cranberry sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
- Liquor Swap: Replace the bourbon with dark rum or brandy for a unique twist.
- Cranberry Drizzle Variations: Add a splash of orange juice or a touch of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry sauce for a unique flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture, form the balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and bake as directed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: toothpicks or skewers for easy handling.
Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture, form the balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This recipe offers a delightful balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving of these meatballs provides a good source of lean protein from the turkey, as well as a touch of natural sweetness from the maple syrup and a boost of antioxidants from the cranberries. Enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bourbon is best for this recipe?
You can use any type of bourbon you enjoy. Look for a mid-range or premium bourbon that has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, as these flavors will complement the maple and cranberry nicely.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatball mixture, form the balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw and bake as directed.
How do I reheat the meatballs?
You can reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze very well. Just prepare the mixture, form the balls, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
These Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Drizzle make a delicious appetizer, but they can also be served as a main course. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Try These Next
- cranberry glazed turkey meatballs for festive feasts
- smoky maple bbq turkey sliders with cranberry sauce
- cranberry maple turkey burger with herb aioli
Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Drizzle
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a perfect festive appetizer, featuring a delicious sweet and savory glaze. The addition of cranberry drizzle elevates the flavor and presentation, making them a hit at any holiday gathering!
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Brush the glaze over the meatballs and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and drizzle with additional cranberry sauce before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
Feel free to substitute ground chicken or pork for the turkey if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, maple bourbon, cranberry drizzle, holiday appetizer