Go Back
–+ servings

Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and festive appetizer made from lean ground turkey, seasoned to perfection and coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. These meatballs offer a flavorful balance of savory and sweet, with the cranberry sauce adding a burst of color and a festive touch. Perfect for holiday parties or as a light meal, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs while still delivering on taste and satisfaction. The glaze also provides a glossy finish, making them both appealing and flavorful.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 473 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 large egg
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 Tbsp. whole-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. (94% lean) ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cranberry Glaze & Assembly

  • 1 cup canned or homemade cranberry sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. whole grain mustard
  • 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions
 

Meatballs

  • Into a large bowl, crack egg and beat with a fork until blended. Add onion, yogurt, thyme, sage, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and beat with fork to combine. Add turkey and bread crumbs and mix with clean hands until combined.
  • Form turkey mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and transfer to a large plate. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 15 minutes.

Cranberry Glaze & Assembly

  • In a medium bowl, whisk cranberry sauce, vinegar, syrup, mustard, orange zest, salt, and a few grinds of pepper.
  • In a high-sided 12" cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil until hot. Cook meatballs until bottom is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Turn meatballs and continue to cook until other side is browned, about 3 minutes more.
  • Add sauce and gently stir meatballs until coated in sauce. Let simmer until sauce is thickened and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of meatballs registers 165°, 3 to 5 minutes more.
  • Divide mashed potatoes among plates. Spoon meatballs and sauce over.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 27gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 565mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gCalcium: 105mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!