Get ready to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving with these Turkey Cranberry Meatballs, a perfect appetizer for holiday parties or an excellent substitute for a whole turkey at Friendsgiving. These meatballs are easy to make and serve, combining ground turkey with sweet cranberries and warm spices to capture that classic holiday taste.
Turkey cranberry meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a variety of occasions. These flavorful meatballs, made with ground turkey and juicy cranberries, can be served as an enticing appetizer, easily enjoyed at gatherings when presented with toothpicks for convenient serving. They add a festive touch to holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Alternatively, they shine as a main dish, pairing beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that complement their savory-sweet profile. The mashed potatoes provide a comforting base, allowing the meatballs to take center stage on your dinner plate, making for a satisfying meal that pleases both family and friends.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 14 oz cranberry sauce, canned
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
Step By Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down to the recipe card for a full ingredients list and method
How to make Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400℉. Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs and whole milk.
Add in 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, turkey, all your seasonings, orange zest, and 1 egg. Mix together until fully combine.
Form into 1 inch meatballs and space out evenly on the wire rack.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
While the meatballs are in the oven prepare your sauce. In another large mixing bowl (microwave safe), whisk together 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and whisk. Cover the bowl once more and microwave for another minute. Remove, stir and set aside.
Once the meatballs are done, remove from oven and add meatballs to the cranberry BBQ sauce. Stir to coat meatballs in the sauce and serve with toothpicks to a crowd.
How to store your Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Cool Completely: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature.
Separate if Necessary: If you prefer, store the meatballs and sauce in separate containers to maintain texture (optional).
Airtight Container: Place the meatballs (and sauce) in an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through
Tools & Supplies for making Turkey Cranberry Meatballs:
More Thanksgiving recipes to try:
Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 14 oz cranberry sauce canned
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs and whole milk.
- Add in 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, turkey, all your seasonings, orange zest, and 1 egg. Mix together until fully combine.
- Form into 1 inch meatballs and space out evenly on the wire rack.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the meatballs are in the oven prepare your sauce. In another large mixing bowl (microwave safe), whisk together 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and whisk. Cover the bowl once more and microwave for another minute. Remove, stir and set aside.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove from oven and add meatballs to the cranberry BBQ sauce. Stir to coat meatballs in the sauce and serve with toothpicks to a crowd.
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