why make this recipe
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner. They are not only tasty but also easy to prepare. The combination of the savory turkey meatballs with the sweet and tangy cranberry glaze makes this dish a comfort food favorite. It brings warmth to your kitchen and is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal with family and friends.
how to make Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 large Egg
(Acts as a binder; a flaxseed meal mixed with water works as a vegan substitute) - 1 cup Finely Chopped Yellow Onion
(Adds moisture and sweetness; shallots can substitute for a milder flavor) - 3/4 cup Whole-Fat Greek Yogurt
(Provides a creamy texture; sour cream works similarly) - 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Thyme Leaves
(Use 1/3 the amount if using dried thyme) - 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Sage Leaves
(Poultry seasoning can be a good alternative) - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
(Soy sauce is a great gluten-free substitute) - 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
(Sea salt can be swapped in) - 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
(Pre-ground black pepper can suffice in a pinch) - 1 pound Ground Turkey (94% lean)
(Ground chicken or lean beef are good swaps) - 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
(Oat flour can serve as a gluten-free option) - 1 cup Canned or Homemade Cranberry Sauce
(Fresh cranberries can be cooked down as an alternative) - 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
(White vinegar is a suitable substitute) - 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
(Honey can be used for similar sweetness) - 2 tablespoons Whole Grain Mustard
(Dijon mustard can be used for a smoother flavor) - 1 tablespoon Finely Grated Orange Zest
(Lemon zest can be a great alternative) - 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
(Avocado oil works for a higher smoke point)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, chopped onion, Greek yogurt, thyme, sage, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the ground turkey and panko bread crumbs to the bowl, and mix until everything is combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, and orange zest. Heat over medium heat until the sauce is warm and mixed well.
- Once the meatballs are done, drizzle the cranberry glaze over them, or toss them in the glaze before serving.
how to serve Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Serve these meatballs warm, drizzled with the cranberry glaze. They go great on a bed of rice, quinoa, or even alongside mashed potatoes. Add a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
how to store Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm them in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
- Make sure to chop the onion finely to keep the meatballs tender.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture, as it can lead to tough meatballs.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mixture.
variation
You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if you like. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas instead.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just cook them when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves you time.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even in a sandwich. Feel free to get creative!
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Savory turkey meatballs glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Finely Chopped Yellow Onion
- 3/4 cup Whole-Fat Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Thyme Leaves
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Sage Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 pound Ground Turkey (94% lean)
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 cup Canned or Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Whole Grain Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Finely Grated Orange Zest
- 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, chopped onion, Greek yogurt, thyme, sage, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the ground turkey and panko bread crumbs to the bowl, and mix until everything is combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, and orange zest. Heat over medium heat until the sauce is warm and mixed well.
- Once the meatballs are done, drizzle the cranberry glaze over them, or toss them in the glaze before serving.
Notes
Make sure to chop the onion finely to keep the meatballs tender. Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American