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

Mexican Mimosa

  • August 4, 2026
  • 10 min read

The Eggplant Manifesto: In Defense of Summer’s

  • August 4, 2026
  • 10 min read

Corn & Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil

  • August 4, 2026
  • 6 min read

Wendy’s Just Launched Its Fall Menu —

  • August 3, 2026
  • 3 min read

Mini Italian Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry

  • August 3, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Backyard Cook: What Happens When the

  • August 3, 2026
  • 11 min read

Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken

  • August 3, 2026
  • 6 min read

Betty Crocker Just Released Three Harry Potter

  • August 2, 2026
  • 2 min read

Chili Honey Roasted Cashew Clusters

  • August 2, 2026
  • 15 min read

Miso Almond Butter Baked Oat Cups

  • August 2, 2026
  • 14 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

Beverages
Amelia Grace

Mexican Mimosa

Fresh-squeezed orange juice provides vitamin C, folate, and potassium while delivering natural sweetness without refined sugar. Using a dry sparkling wine keeps the cocktail lighter than sweeter alternatives, and the tequila’s agave base means fewer congeners than darker spirits. As always, enjoy responsibly and alternate with water to stay refreshed throughout your Taco Tuesday celebration.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Eggplant Manifesto: In Defense of Summer’s Most Misunderstood Vegetable

Eggplant skin contains nasunin — an anthocyanin antioxidant found in the deep purple pigment of the skin that has demonstrated specific neuroprotective properties in research, appearing to protect cell membranes from free radical damage. Eggplant also contains significant amounts of chlorogenic acid, one of the most potent antioxidant compounds found in plant foods, which has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved blood pressure regulation in clinical studies. The specific preparation of flame-roasting eggplant whole — which is common in Mediterranean and South Asian cooking — preserves these compounds in the flesh while the skin is removed, making it one of the more nutritionally complete eggplant preparations available.

Read More »
Other
Amelia Grace

Corn & Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil

Fresh corn is a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. Cherry tomatoes deliver lycopene and vitamin C, and the olive oil dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats—making this five-ingredient salad genuinely nutritious from every angle.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content