Savory Turkey & Cranberry Meatballs

 

These meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic, combining lean ground turkey with the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberries. They are moist, flavorful, and perfect for a festive appetizer or a healthy main course.

Yields: About 20-24 meatballs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 2 cups bread crumbs

• 1 cup cooked cranberries (see note)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup jellied cranberry sauce

• 2 tablespoons orange juice or water

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics
In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic with a teaspoon of oil until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step deepens their flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Combine the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. Form the Meatballs
Moisten your hands with a little water or oil to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls, placing them on a plate or baking sheet.

4. Cook the Meatballs
You have two excellent cooking options:

• To Pan-Sear (for a crispy exterior): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 10-12 minutes.

• To Bake (for easier cleanup): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through.

5. Glaze (Optional)
In the last few minutes of cooking, you can glaze the meatballs. In a small bowl, whisk the jellied cranberry sauce with orange juice until smooth. Brush the glaze over the meatballs and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer: Serve warm with toothpicks and a side of extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.

• As a Main Course: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. They also pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted green beans.

Chef's Notes

• Cooked Cranberries: "Cooked cranberries" typically refer to cranberries that have been simmered with a little water and sugar until they pop and soften. If using leftover cranberry sauce, chop any whole berries before adding.

• Bread Crumb Note: For a lighter texture, you can use Panko bread crumbs. For more flavor, use seasoned bread crumbs.

• Moisture is Key: The bread crumbs and cranberries help keep the lean turkey moist. Avoid overbaking.

• Make-Ahead: You can form the meatballs a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.