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

Sam’s Club Just Added a New Fall

  • August 19, 2026
  • 2 min read

Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Wine Sauce

  • August 19, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Stone Fruit Reckoning: What to Do

  • August 19, 2026
  • 11 min read

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

  • August 19, 2026
  • 6 min read

National Fajita Day Is Here — Here’s

  • August 18, 2026
  • 2 min read

The Fermentation Project: What Happens When You

  • August 18, 2026
  • 11 min read

Sweet Chili Shrimp

  • August 18, 2026
  • 7 min read

Hot Chicken and Pancake Tacos

  • August 18, 2026
  • 11 min read

Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Fangs Are Back

  • August 17, 2026
  • 2 min read

Baked Dill Pickle Pretzels

  • August 17, 2026
  • 13 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

Sam’s Club Just Added a New Fall Comfort Meal That’s Already Getting Rave Reviews

Prepared meals like pot roast can be higher in sodium than a homemade version, especially once gravy is factored in. To lighten things up, pair the tray with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetable to add fiber and volume without extra sodium. If the gravy tastes salty on its own, using less of it and letting the beef and vegetables carry more of the flavor is an easy way to cut back without sacrificing the comfort-food feel.

Read More »
Chicken Recipes
Benjamin Brown

Skillet Chicken with Mushroom Wine Sauce

Mushrooms are one of the only plant sources of vitamin D and provide significant selenium and B vitamins—use skinless chicken breasts and reduce butter by half for a lighter version that maintains the sauce’s rich, satisfying character.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Stone Fruit Reckoning: What to Do With Too Many Peaches

Peaches and other stone fruits are significant dietary sources of several important nutrients that peak-season specimens provide in higher concentrations than their out-of-season counterparts. Peak-season peaches contain measurably higher levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and the flavonoid chlorogenic acid — a potent antioxidant associated with reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular markers — than early-season or commercially ripened alternatives. The carotenoids that give ripe peaches their deep orange-gold color are fat-soluble, meaning that serving peaches with dairy fat — the cream, the yogurt, the butter used in a skillet preparation — significantly increases the absorption of these compounds compared to eating the fruit alone.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content