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 Stock Secrets Behind Every Great Restaurant

  • April 20, 2026
  • 7 min read

Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

  • April 20, 2026
  • 10 min read

No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies

  • April 19, 2026
  • 19 min read

Zucchini Hummus Roll-Ups

  • April 19, 2026
  • 12 min read

Turkey Taco Salad Bowls

  • April 19, 2026
  • 13 min read

Blueberry Lemon Quinoa Porridge

  • April 19, 2026
  • 13 min read

What Line Cooks Know About Heat That

  • April 19, 2026
  • 7 min read

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

  • April 19, 2026
  • 10 min read

The Frozen Foods Your Air Fryer Was

  • April 18, 2026
  • 3 min read

Herb and Cheese Scones

  • April 18, 2026
  • 11 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 Stock Secrets Behind Every Great Restaurant Sauce

Homemade bone broth and stock are rich in glycine, an amino acid that plays a significant role in collagen synthesis, liver detoxification, and sleep regulation. Unlike many protein sources, glycine is found in particularly high concentrations in the connective tissue and bones that form the basis of a properly made stock — making a bowl of well-made soup or a sauce built on real stock a meaningful dietary source of this often-overlooked nutrient.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

This pasta delivers a meaningful nutritional boost from its spring vegetable trio—asparagus provides folate, vitamins K and E, and powerful prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, while peas contribute plant-based protein and B vitamins, and spinach adds iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Threading these vibrant greens through a classic Alfredo sauce is one of the most delicious ways to sneak serious nutrition into a bowl of comfort food.

Read More »
Desserts
Aurora Wright

No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies

Key limes and regular limes are both excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Citrus juice and zest contain flavonoids with antioxidant properties. The bright, intense flavor of citrus also allows you to create satisfying desserts with relatively simple ingredients—the boldness means a small portion delivers big flavor satisfaction, encouraging mindful enjoyment.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content