Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Healthy Fact of the Day

These turkey meatballs offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef versions. Turkey is lean protein, lower in saturated fat while still providing essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc. The cranberry sauce contains antioxidants and vitamin C. To make them even healthier, use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber, or substitute with rolled oats. Consider baking on a rack to allow fat to drip away. The fresh herbs provide additional antioxidants and flavor without extra calories. While the glaze contains sugar from cranberries and honey, it's more nutritious than many commercial glazes. For an even lighter version, try using sugar-free cranberry sauce or reducing the honey content.

Ingredients

 

For the meatballs:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

 

For the glaze:

  • 1 (14 oz) can whole cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk.

  3. Let sit for 5 minutes.

  4. Add ground turkey, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  5. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

  6. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.

  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

  8. Meanwhile, combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan.

  9. Simmer glaze over medium heat until slightly thickened.

  10. Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl.

  11. Pour warm glaze over meatballs and gently toss to coat.

  12. Arrange on serving platter and garnish with rosemary.

  13. Serve hot, with extra glaze on the side.

Pop one of these Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs into your mouth and savor the perfect balance of savory and sweet! The juicy turkey meatballs, seasoned with herbs and bathed in tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, deliver all the flavors of the holiday season in one perfect bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs promise to disappear faster than snow in sunshine. So roll up your sleeves, season that turkey, and get ready to create the appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Recent Recipes

The Lost Language of Regional American Food

  • June 15, 2026
  • 10 min read

Lemon Chicken Romano

  • June 15, 2026
  • 9 min read

Pepsi Just Dropped a 28-Can Variety Pack

  • June 15, 2026
  • 4 min read

S’mores Muddy Buddies

  • June 15, 2026
  • 11 min read

Father’s Day Is One Week Away —

  • June 14, 2026
  • 4 min read

Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites

  • June 14, 2026
  • 16 min read

Smoky Black Bean & Cotija Bites

  • June 14, 2026
  • 14 min read

Miso Ginger Chicken & Soba Noodle Bowls

  • June 14, 2026
  • 15 min read

Savory Herb & Goat Cheese Egg Bake

  • June 14, 2026
  • 14 min read

Why the World’s Most Interesting Breakfasts Are

  • June 14, 2026
  • 9 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Blog
Daily Disher

The Lost Language of Regional American Food

Traditional regional food cultures in the United States — including the Appalachian tradition of wild-gathered greens and heirloom legumes, the Low Country tradition of rice and field peas, and the indigenous Hawaiian tradition of fermented taro — tend to incorporate high levels of dietary fiber, fermented foods, and diverse plant varieties that modern nutritional research consistently identifies as health-supportive. The homogenization of American food culture toward processed and standardized products has reduced the dietary diversity that regional food traditions provided — making the preservation and practice of regional food cultures a nutritional matter as well as a cultural one.

Read More »
Chicken Recipes
Benjamin Brown

Lemon Chicken Romano

Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading is more than a technique preference—it ensures the chicken cooks through quickly and evenly, reducing the time it spends in the pan and minimizing the amount of fat absorbed by the crust. Romano cheese is so intensely flavored that a modest amount in the breading seasons the entire crust, meaning you get bold, rich flavor with a smaller quantity than milder cheeses would require.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Pepsi Just Dropped a 28-Can Variety Pack at Costco — And It’s Three of the Summer’s Hottest Sodas in One Box

Creamy sodas like these tend to be higher in sugar than standard sodas due to the additional flavoring syrups — but buying in a variety pack format actually makes portion mindfulness easier. Having three distinct flavors available means you’re more likely to treat each one as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit. If you’re a regular soda drinker looking to cut back, alternating cans with sparkling water throughout the day is an easy way to enjoy the fizz without the added sugar on every pour.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content