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- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder I use ground turkey or chicken for a lean option. The seasoned breadcrumbs add texture and flavor. Garlic powder gives a nice aroma to the meatballs. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme Grated Parmesan cheese boosts the savory taste. Finely chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness. Thyme gives a lovely earthy flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper for balance! - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) For the glaze, I like to use sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Soy sauce brings umami depth, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick. Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a pop of color. {{ingredient_image_2}} To begin, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, mix the ground turkey or chicken with the other ingredients. Add the seasoned breadcrumbs, chopped onion, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything until it feels even. Make sure there are no dry spots. Next, it’s time to form your meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. Keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Place all the meatballs on a baking sheet. Leave space between them to ensure they bake nicely. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick and makes cleanup easier. Once the oven is ready, put the baking sheet inside. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. Check their color; they should be golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. This means they are safe to eat. While your meatballs bake, let’s make the cranberry glaze. Get a medium saucepan and set it on the stove over medium heat. In the saucepan, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir often to mix everything well. After a few minutes, let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. You want to cook it for about 5 minutes. This helps the glaze thicken slightly. Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven. Carefully move them to the saucepan with the glaze. Toss the meatballs gently until they are covered in the shiny sauce. Serve them hot, and enjoy! The egg and breadcrumbs play a big role in your meatballs. They keep the meatballs moist and help them hold their shape. Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. You want a balance that makes the flavors pop. Space the meatballs well on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. If they are too close, they can steam instead of bake. For safety, check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Make your meatballs look great on the plate. Arrange them on a nice platter. Drizzle extra cranberry glaze on top. This adds color and flavor. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating. Pair them with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor of the meatballs significantly compared to dried herbs. Check Meatball Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the cranberry glaze by adding honey or more mustard to suit your taste. Perfect for Meal Prep: These meatballs freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. Just reheat in the glaze when ready to serve! {{image_4}} You can use different meats for your cranberry glazed meatballs. Ground beef or pork works well. You can also try plant-based meat for a tasty option. When you switch meats, adjust the flavor a bit. Beef and pork have richer flavors. You may want to add more herbs or spices to balance that out. If you use plant-based meat, you might need extra seasoning for the best taste. To make your meatballs stand out, add extra spices or herbs. Try mixing in some paprika or oregano for a new kick. You can also add crushed red pepper for heat. For the glaze, think about mixing in other sauces or fruits. A splash of orange juice can brighten the flavor. You can even try adding a bit of apple sauce for sweetness. Get creative with how you serve your meatballs. You can put them in a sub or sandwich. This makes for a fun meal that’s easy to eat. If you’re hosting a party, make cocktail-style meatballs. Just serve them on toothpicks with extra glaze on the side. This way, your guests can enjoy them as a tasty appetizer. To keep your cranberry glazed meatballs fresh, refrigeration is key. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. Leftover meatballs are versatile. You can chop them up and add them to pasta dishes. They also work well in salads or wraps for a quick meal. Try adding them to a sub sandwich for a tasty lunch. The options are endless! Yes, you can make cranberry glazed meatballs ahead of time. To prepare them, follow these tips: - Cook the meatballs as the recipe states. - Cool them completely before storing. - Place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. - You can also freeze them for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you need to replace bread crumbs, here are some good options: - Crushed crackers work well. - Oats can be a healthy choice. - Cooked rice can bind the meatballs too. - Ground nuts will add a nice flavor. Make sure to adjust the amount to keep the texture right. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for cranberry glazed meatballs. Here’s how: - Brown the meatballs in the oven first for flavor. - Place them in the slow cooker. - Mix the glaze and pour it over the meatballs. - Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method helps the flavors mix well, making them even tastier! In this post, we covered how to make cranberry glazed meatballs, from ingredients to serving tips. You learned about the main components like turkey, breadcrumbs, and glaze ingredients. We explored step-by-step instructions for preparing the meatballs and making the glaze. Plus, we discussed variations and storage tips. These meatballs are versatile and great for any occasion. I hope you try this delicious recipe soon!

Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey or chicken with the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix using your hands or a sturdy spatula until the mixture is homogenous.
  • With your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the delectable cranberry glaze. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir regularly until the ingredients are well blended, and then allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the glaze thicken slightly.
  • Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry glaze. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are nicely coated in the glossy glaze.
  • Serve the meatballs immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a delightful touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Arrange the glazed meatballs on a serving platter and drizzle additional cranberry glaze over the top. Serve alongside toothpicks for easy eating, perfect for gatherings!
Keyword appetizer, cranberry glaze, turkey meatballs