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

Taco Bell Is Combining Two of Its

  • May 15, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Quiet Power of Cooking for One

  • May 15, 2026
  • 7 min read

Voodoo Pasta

  • May 15, 2026
  • 9 min read

Fritos Is Dropping a Spicy Dill Pickle

  • May 14, 2026
  • 3 min read

Pitcher Mai Tais

  • May 14, 2026
  • 11 min read

A Line Cook’s Guide to Wasting Almost

  • May 14, 2026
  • 8 min read

Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich

  • May 14, 2026
  • 8 min read

Lunchables Just Launched a Grown-Up Version of

  • May 13, 2026
  • 4 min read

Chicken in White Wine Sauce

  • May 13, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Unwritten Rules of a Great Meal

  • May 13, 2026
  • 8 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

Taco Bell Is Combining Two of Its Most Beloved Menu Items — And It Drops May 21

The Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza is one of Taco Bell’s lighter options compared to beef-based menu items — slow-roasted chicken is lower in saturated fat than seasoned ground beef, and the fresh toppings like purple cabbage and pico de gallo add fiber and vitamins. If you’re watching sodium, pairing it with water instead of a fountain drink and skipping an extra side keeps the meal more balanced. The new Jalapeño Citrus Salsa is also a flavorful, low-calorie way to add heat and brightness without reaching for something heavier like sour cream or a creamy sauce.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Quiet Power of Cooking for One

Research on eating habits consistently finds that people who cook for themselves regularly — rather than relying on convenience foods or skipping meals — consume significantly more vegetables, less sodium, and fewer calories per meal than those who don’t. The act of cooking for oneself, even simply, is one of the strongest predictors of overall dietary quality across all demographic groups, making the solo meal one of the most health-positive cooking habits available regardless of what’s being cooked.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Voodoo Pasta

Shrimp is one of the leanest high-protein seafood options available, with around 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving and very few calories. Andouille sausage is bold enough in flavor that a modest amount goes a long way—meaning a little delivers a lot of smoky, spiced satisfaction without overwhelming the dish nutritionally.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content