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

Happy National Rum Day — 8 Cocktails

  • August 16, 2026
  • 3 min read

Mango Chili Lime Coconut Bites

  • August 16, 2026
  • 15 min read

Peruvian Green Sauce Chicken & Quinoa Bowls

  • August 16, 2026
  • 15 min read

Brown Sugar Fig Baked Cottage Cheese Cups

  • August 16, 2026
  • 15 min read

Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats

  • August 16, 2026
  • 17 min read

The Forgotten Meal: Why Breakfast Deserves More

  • August 16, 2026
  • 12 min read

Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

  • August 16, 2026
  • 6 min read

Panda Express Just Added a New Strawberry

  • August 15, 2026
  • 2 min read

Quiche Stuffed Bagels

  • August 15, 2026
  • 12 min read

Five Things Your Blender Can Do That

  • August 15, 2026
  • 4 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

Happy National Rum Day — 8 Cocktails Worth Making Today

Rum-based cocktails can vary widely in calorie content depending on the mixers — a simple rum and sparkling water with lime is one of the lowest-calorie cocktail options available, while a Bushwacker or creamy punch can rival dessert in sugar and fat. If you’re celebrating National Rum Day more mindfully, the fruit-forward punches are generally lighter than the cream-based cocktails, and making them with 100% juice rather than juice blends reduces the added sugar load. Spacing drinks out with a full glass of water between cocktails is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the holiday without overdoing it — and it keeps you significantly more present for the rest of the Sunday.

Read More »
Meal Prep
Amelia Grace

Mango Chili Lime Coconut Bites

Dried mango is a concentrated source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and natural fruit sugars that provide quick energy alongside meaningful antioxidant protection—and when combined with shredded coconut’s medium-chain triglycerides and honey’s antimicrobial compounds, this bite delivers a genuinely functional snack disguised as something purely enjoyable.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Peruvian Green Sauce Chicken & Quinoa Bowls

Cilantro is one of the most antioxidant-dense herbs available—delivering vitamins A, C, and K alongside quercetin and other polyphenol compounds that support immune function and cellular health. Used in the generous quantity that this green sauce demands, it provides genuine nutritional contribution alongside the flavor that makes the sauce so irresistible.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content