Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining hearty flavor with a touch of sweetness. These meatballs are perfect for winter meals, holidays, or even casual get-togethers. With the tart flavor of cranberries and the freshness of apples and sage, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to make and packed with lean turkey for a healthier option!

What Goes into This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cranberry turkey meatballs:

1 pound (450 g) 93% lean ground turkey
1/2 cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup (100 g) shredded tart apple (like Granny Smith), washed with peel on
1 1/2 tablespoons (15 g) fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
3/4 teaspoon (4.5 g) kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
1 cup (300 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
Zest of 1 orange
1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

Cooking Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to cook your cranberry turkey meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place an ovenproof baking rack on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, olive oil, egg, shredded apple, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or forks until everything is well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 to 2-inch (4 to 5 cm) balls and place them on the prepared baking rack. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, applesauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and orange juice. Heat over medium until warmed through.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are well coated. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

These cranberry turkey meatballs can be served in a variety of ways! Here are a few suggestions to make your meal special:

On a platter: Arrange the meatballs beautifully on a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce for presentation.
As an appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect party snack.
With sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Here are a few tips to help you make the best cranberry turkey meatballs:

Keep it moist: If your mixture feels too dry, adding a little more applesauce can help create a moist texture.
Flavor boost: Try adding some chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them uncooked. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat!

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs in an airtight container. Just thaw and bake or reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them.

2. What can I substitute for ground turkey?
If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken or even ground beef, although the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

3. How can I spice it up?
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick, or swap out the sage for other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Cranberry turkey meatballs are a wholesome, delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Print Recipe

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining hearty flavor with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for winter meals and gatherings!

Prep Time15

Cook Time14

Total Time29

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, Healthy Meatballs, Holiday Recipes, Turkey Meatballs, Winter Meals

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound 1 pound (450 g) 93% lean ground turkey Ground turkey for a lean option
1/2 cup 1/2 cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg 1 large egg, lightly beaten Egg to bind the mixture
1 cup 1 cup (100 g) shredded tart apple (like Granny Smith), washed with peel on Adds sweetness and moisture
1 1/2 tablespoons 1 1/2 tablespoons (15 g) fresh sage, chopped Fresh sage for flavor
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
3/4 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon (4.5 g) kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
to taste Chopped fresh parsley Optional for garnish

For the Sauce

1 cup 1 cup (300 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup Adds sweetness
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange For flavor
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice For freshness

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place an ovenproof baking rack on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, olive oil, egg, shredded apple, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or forks until everything is well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 to 2-inch (4 to 5 cm) balls and place them on the prepared baking rack.

Cooking

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, applesauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and orange juice. Heat over medium until warmed through.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are well coated.
Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs in an airtight container. Just thaw and bake or reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them uncooked; just bake when you’re ready to eat.