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

Memorial Day Weekend Deals Are Live —

  • May 23, 2026
  • 3 min read

One Can of Chickpeas, Five Completely Different

  • May 23, 2026
  • 3 min read

Pancake Poppers

  • May 23, 2026
  • 11 min read

The Unsung Heroes of the Kitchen: Tools

  • May 23, 2026
  • 8 min read

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • May 23, 2026
  • 8 min read

Krispy Kreme’s Lemon Filled Doughnut Is Back

  • May 22, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Comfort Food Paradox: Why the Simplest

  • May 22, 2026
  • 9 min read

Salmon Patties

  • May 22, 2026
  • 8 min read

KFC’s Fried Pickles Are Back — And

  • May 21, 2026
  • 4 min read

Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade

  • May 21, 2026
  • 10 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

Uncategorized
Daily Disher

Memorial Day Weekend Deals Are Live — Here’s Everything Worth Knowing Before You Order

Memorial Day weekend cookouts are one of summer’s great pleasures — and with a little planning, they don’t have to derail your health goals. Grilling is actually one of the healthier cooking methods since fat drips away from the meat, and loading your plate with grilled vegetables alongside your main is an easy way to balance the meal. If you’re taking advantage of restaurant deals this weekend, look for options that include a salad or side of vegetables, drink water alongside any indulgent food, and remember that the holiday is about enjoying time with people — not about eating as much as possible.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

One Can of Chickpeas, Five Completely Different Meals

Chickpeas are one of the most nutritionally dense things you can keep in your pantry. One cup delivers around 15 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber, which means they keep you full significantly longer than most pantry staples. They’re also low on the glycemic index, which helps avoid the blood sugar spike and crash that comes with a lot of quick weeknight meals. If you’re watching sodium, give canned chickpeas a quick rinse before using — it removes a meaningful amount of the added salt without affecting texture or flavor.

Read More »
Entrees
Aurora Wright

Pancake Poppers

Buttermilk’s lactic acid and probiotics aid digestion while its acidity activates baking soda for extra fluffy texture—making these fun poppers easier on your stomach than regular pancakes.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content