Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze are a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. This delicious dish features tender turkey meatballs brightened with sweet bursts of cranberries and an irresistible glaze that adds a delightful tanginess. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends while being easy to whip up in just a few simple steps.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Gather a few simple ingredients to make these tasty meatballs. Here’s what you’ll need:

1½ pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
¾ cup finely grated Japanese sweet potato (or regular sweet potato)
¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely minced shallots
1½ tablespoons paleo mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh sage
2 teaspoons coconut aminos
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use about ½ if using Morton’s kosher salt or fine sea salt)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or more as needed)

For the Maple Mustard Glaze:

¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons coconut aminos
½ teaspoon arrowroot powder

Step-by-Step Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: For oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). For air fryer, preheat as recommended by the device.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated sweet potato, dried cranberries, minced shallots, paleo mayonnaise, fresh sage, coconut aminos, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet (for the oven) or in the air fryer basket.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Oven Method: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, turning halfway through.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Glaze: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the maple mustard glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and arrowroot powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Glaze the Meatballs: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven or air fryer and drizzle the maple mustard glaze over them. Toss gently to coat evenly in the glaze.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are a hit on their own but can also shine on a bed of rice, quinoa, or even nestled in a leafy salad. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or additional sage for a pop of color.

Pair with roasted vegetables or a light side like steamed broccoli to round out a delicious meal. For a fun appetizer, serve them with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them. You can bake or air-fry them later when you need a quick meal or snack.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Flavor Boost: Mix in other herbs like rosemary or parsley for different flavor profiles, or add a dash of chili flakes for a kick!

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs FAQs

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when properly cooked. A meat thermometer can help ensure they are safe to eat.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and may alter the taste of the dish, but if you like a tangy bite, feel free to try them! Consider adding a bit of extra maple syrup for sweetness.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or could be served as appetizers on toothpicks with dipping sauces like ranch or additional maple mustard for extra flavor.

These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze are not only delicious but also easy to make! Dive into this recipe and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give them a try today—your taste buds will thank you!

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