Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze bring together savory and sweet flavors in a delightful bite-sized dish. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, they offer a fresh twist on classic meatballs with a seasonal cranberry touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the cranberry glaze by combining cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
6. Step 6: When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them gently in the cranberry glaze.
7. Step 7: Serve the glazed meatballs warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can be added for a more autumnal flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry mixture.
• These meatballs also work well in a sandwich or as a party appetizer served with toothpicks.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep them moist. You can freeze the cooked meatballs without glaze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing in freshly prepared glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs with ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will work similarly in flavor and texture.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be firm to the touch without any pink inside.

Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 96 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze combine lean ground turkey with savory Parmesan and fresh herbs, baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry mustard glaze, making a perfect fall-inspired appetizer or main dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Glaze

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a consistent meatball mixture.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare Cranberry Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is heated through and well blended.
6. Toss Meatballs in Glaze: Once the meatballs have finished baking, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the warm cranberry glaze until they are evenly coated.
7. Serve: Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or with sides for a festive, flavorful meal and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed (use 1 tablespoon dried).
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs; panko breadcrumbs can be used for a lighter texture.
• The cranberry glaze can be adjusted in sweetness by adding more or less honey based on preference.
• These meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turkey Meatballs, Cranberry Glaze, Holiday Appetizer, Fall Recipe, Healthy Meatballs