Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so excited to welcome you to my corner of the internet where we turn everyday meals into something absolutely special. Get ready to ditch the boring weeknight dinners because we’re about to dive headfirst into a flavor adventure that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds sing!
Today, we’re making Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, and trust me, this isn’t your average meatball recipe. It’s a sweet and savory explosion of flavor that’s perfect for game nights, holiday gatherings, or, let’s be honest, a Tuesday night when you’re craving something extraordinary. These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs will become your new go-to!
I remember the night this recipe was born. A little bit of this, a little bit of that, all thrown together in a late-night kitchen experiment. I was craving comfort food, but wanted a twist that would wow my friends. The result was these absolutely amazing Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – a happy accident that quickly became a family favorite.
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are here to show you how to deliver a bold, flavorful meal that brings people together. So grab your apron, crank up the tunes, and let’s get cooking! Are you ready to take your comfort food game to the next level? Let’s do this!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs ingredient list is all about finding that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s a combination of regular grocery store finds and some bold flavor boosters that will make your taste buds sing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Ground Turkey: You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian seasoned works great.
- 1/4 cup Milk: This helps keep the Cranberry Turkey Meatballs nice and moist.
- 1 Egg: This acts as a binder, holding everything together.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Onion: Adds a savory depth to the meatballs.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For that aromatic, delicious garlic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a little kick!
- 1 (14 oz) can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs gets its amazing taste from this.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Helps create a luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy zing!
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: For a bit of depth and complexity.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
No worries if you don’t have apple cider vinegar; I use balsamic vinegar all the time in my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. Also, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for that extra kick! This ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together!
For storage, uncooked meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours, and cooked meatballs can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – watch the delicious magic happen! I’m going to walk you through each step like we’re cooking together in your kitchen. Get ready to create something amazing!
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I love to start with this so that it is ready to go as soon as the meatballs are assembled.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs recipe really comes together here!
- Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will be tough. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I usually get about 24 meatballs from this recipe.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. In my kitchen, this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs usually takes about 22 minutes.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. While your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for that incredible flavor!
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs looks a little rustic. That’s part of their charm.
How to Serve Up This!
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are so versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a fun addition to a buffet. People literally do happy dances when this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs hits the table with…
- Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Perfect for game nights or holiday parties.
- Main Course: Serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Sliders: Pile them on slider buns with a dollop of extra cranberry sauce.
- Party Platter: Arrange them with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and other appetizers.
- Holiday Feast: Add them to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread for a sweet and savory side dish.
- Bold Flavor Pairings: They are great served with some roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and a side of creamy mac and cheese.
This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! My friends went crazy for these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs during a recent potluck. They were gone in minutes! This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.
Leftover Transformations:
- Meatball Subs: Slice the meatballs and serve them on hoagie rolls with some of the cranberry sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Meatball Salad: Chop the meatballs and add them to a salad with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Meatball Skewers: Thread the meatballs onto skewers with some vegetables and grill them for a fun and flavorful meal.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll be golden.
What if I mess up my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?
(Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Even if they’re not perfectly round, the flavor will still be amazing!
How can I prep this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for busy weeknights?
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Also, you can make the cranberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, but I would adjust the sugar to taste. Taste testing is a must in my kitchen!
Can I add other ingredients to the meatballs?
Definitely! Feel free to add some chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture.
Can I bake or fry the meatballs?
Yes, these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs can be baked or fried. Baking them is typically the healthier option, while frying gives them a crispier exterior.
What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?
Store leftover Cranberry Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for these Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs.
CONCLUSION:
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs bring me so much joy because they’re a reminder that you can create something truly special with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It’s about making a statement that says you can experience both sweet and savory goodness.
My Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, cozy flavor.
- Use good-quality cranberry sauce: It makes a big difference in the overall taste.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer: Let those flavors meld together for maximum deliciousness.
Delicious Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Variations:
- Spicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Cranberry-Bacon Turkey Meatballs: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the meatball mixture.
- Cranberry-Apple Turkey Meatballs: Add chopped apple to the meatball mixture and a splash of apple cider to the sauce.
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these French Onion Meatballs.
And if you like a recipe you can throw in the crockpot for convenience, check out what I found online Sweet & Savory Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce. There are some amazing crockpot turkey meatballs recipe available.
I am also thinking about a cranberry sauce meatballs for this holiday!
Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and most importantly, have fun! I’m so excited for you to try these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs and experience the delicious magic for yourself! A quick search on Facebook and you will also see a recipe needed call for these gems Crockpot turkey cranberry meatballs recipe needed.
These holiday meatballs will absolutely be a hit! Don’t forget you can also look into making these a sweet and savory meatballs delight.
WellPlated also has a great recipe available Cranberry Turkey Meatballs {Perfect Holiday Appetizer}. This would be a perfect appetizer meatballs dish for an upcoming party.
Let me know how they turn out, and what delicious twists you added! Happy cooking, fellow food lovers! I am excited for you to get started making these amazing Cranberry Turkey Meatballs.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory and sweet, perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Made with ground turkey, cranberries, and a hint of spice, they’re a festive and flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Brush the meatballs with the cranberry sauce mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining cranberry sauce mixture.
Notes
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.