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 Dinner Table Conversations We Stopped Having

  • May 28, 2026
  • 9 min read

Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

  • May 28, 2026
  • 8 min read

Burger King Is Giving Away Free Burgers

  • May 27, 2026
  • 3 min read

Apple Cider Pork with Mash Sweet Potatoes

  • May 27, 2026
  • 13 min read

The Foods That Tell You Where You

  • May 27, 2026
  • 9 min read

Bang Bang Fried Rice

  • May 27, 2026
  • 10 min read

White Castle Is Putting Slider Vending Machines

  • May 26, 2026
  • 4 min read

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Watermelon Salsa

  • May 26, 2026
  • 9 min read

Why Learning to Cook Later in Life

  • May 26, 2026
  • 8 min read

One Pot Mac & Chorizo

  • May 26, 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 Dinner Table Conversations We Stopped Having

Research consistently links regular family meals to a wide range of positive health outcomes in children and adolescents — including lower rates of disordered eating, reduced risk of substance use, better academic performance, and stronger mental health indicators. The mechanism appears to be not primarily nutritional but social — the connection, communication, and sense of belonging that regular shared meals provide. The health benefits of the family dinner table, in other words, are delivered largely through the conversation that happens there, not just the food.

Read More »
Chicken Recipes
Amelia Grace

Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

Quinoa is one of the few plant-based complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids—making it an ideal grain base for a high-protein bowl. Combined with lean chicken breast, broccoli’s vitamin C and fiber, and lycopene-rich cherry tomatoes, this bowl delivers exceptional nutritional value in a meal that tastes anything but diet food.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Burger King Is Giving Away Free Burgers Tomorrow — Here’s How to Get Yours

National Hamburger Day is a great excuse to enjoy a burger — and a few small choices can make the meal feel more balanced without taking the fun out of it. Ordering a plain hamburger over a double or triple patty keeps saturated fat in check, and loading up on tomato, lettuce, and onion adds fiber and nutrients without extra calories. Skipping the fries in favor of a side salad or apple slices — where available — is the easiest swap to lighten the overall meal while still enjoying the main event.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content