Description
These Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful combination of savory turkey meatballs enhanced with sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or regular)
- ½ cup instant mashed potato flakes (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely minced)
- 2 Tbsp dried cranberries (chopped, or fresh if preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp orange juice (optional for tang)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, potato flakes (or breadcrumbs), egg, onion, cranberries, garlic powder, sage, salt, and a bit of pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch diameter).
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment (or in the skillet) and bake or cook until golden and cooked through (internal temperature ~165°F / 74°C), about 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter then add the cranberry sauce, orange zest and juice (if using), and simmer gently until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Once meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan and gently coat them with the cranberry glaze.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cranberries or a sprig of parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a slightly healthier option, use lean ground turkey.
- Fresh cranberries can be used if available for a more vibrant flavor.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as a main course with a side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with glaze
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg