Oh my gosh, you have to try these turkey cranberry meatballs! They’re my absolute go-to when I need something festive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I first made them for a last-minute holiday party and now they’re requested every year. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce drizzled over juicy turkey meatballs? Perfection. What I love most is how they work equally well as an appetizer with toothpicks or served over mashed potatoes for dinner. And trust me – even people who “don’t like turkey” go crazy for these. They’re that good.
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Why You’ll Love These Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
These little flavor bombs have become my secret weapon for good reason:
- They come together in under 30 minutes – perfect when you realize you forgot to make an appetizer (we’ve all been there!)
- The cranberry gives that festive holiday vibe without being overly sweet
- Turkey keeps them lighter than traditional meatballs, but no one will notice because they’re so juicy
- Works equally well as a fancy party appetizer or cozy weeknight dinner
Seriously, these might just become your new signature dish!
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing too fancy here! What makes these meatballs special is how everyday items come together for something extraordinary. For the meatballs themselves, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey (I use 93% lean – that little bit of fat keeps them juicy)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch!)
- 1 large egg (the glue that holds everything together)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (soaked in warm water for 5 minutes if they seem dry)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or sweet – your choice!)
- 1 tsp salt (don’t skimp – turkey needs seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
For that gorgeous glaze:
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect golden sear)
See? Nothing crazy – just good ingredients treated right!
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Juicy Turkey Cranberry Meatballs Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious turkey meatballs with a sweet cranberry sauce, perfect for appetizers or a main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, dried cranberries, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat oil in a pan and brown meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Warm cranberry sauce and drizzle over cooked meatballs before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizer serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baking/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Alright, let’s get cooking! These turkey cranberry meatballs couldn’t be easier, but I’ve got some tricks to make sure they turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps and you’ll be amazed at how something so simple tastes so incredible.
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, grab your biggest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want the space). Here’s my golden rule: use your hands! A spoon just doesn’t mix as well. Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, soaked dried cranberries, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently – you want everything incorporated, but don’t go crazy or the meatballs will get tough. It should take about 30 seconds max. Pro tip: if the mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands with cold water before shaping!
Cooking the Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (I use a cookie scoop for perfect sizing). Brown them for 2-3 minutes per side – just until they get that gorgeous golden crust. Don’t crowd the pan! Work in batches if needed. Transfer to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. They’re done when they reach 165°F inside. While they bake, warm your cranberry sauce – it should be pourable but not too runny. Drizzle it over the hot meatballs right before serving. The smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’ll love our Korean BBQ Meatballs — a savory twist that brings an irresistible kick to the table alongside these festive turkey cranberry bites.
Bonus options: For crispier meatballs, skip the oven and finish cooking in the skillet (about 8 minutes total). Or try air-frying at 375°F for 10 minutes – works like a charm!
Tips for Perfect Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
After making these dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Chill the mixture for 20 minutes before shaping – it makes rolling so much easier and helps the meatballs hold their shape
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for uniform sizing – this way they all cook evenly
- Always test-fry one meatball first to check seasoning – turkey needs more salt than you think!
- Don’t skip the browning step – that golden crust adds incredible flavor and texture
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll get restaurant-quality meatballs every time – pinky promise!
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Oh, the possibilities with these little gems! My absolute favorite way is to serve them over creamy mashed potatoes – the cranberry sauce becomes this incredible gravy-like topping. For parties, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. They’re also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad with goat cheese and walnuts. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds that perfect festive touch. Honestly? I’ve been known to eat them straight from the pan while “testing” – no judgment here!
Storing and Reheating Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Here’s the best part – these turkey cranberry meatballs actually taste even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without the sauce) on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes – they come out just like fresh! In a pinch, microwave with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes works too, though they won’t be quite as crispy.
For even more creative meatball recipes and seasonal dinner ideas, browse our curated collections on Pinterest where inspiration is just a pin away.
Turkey Cranberry Meatballs FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time about my turkey cranberry meatballs, so let me save you some trouble with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Oh honey, no – fresh ones are way too tart! The dried cranberries give just the right sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, golden raisins work too.
Will chicken work instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cook time – chicken tends to dry out faster. I’d start checking a couple minutes earlier.
How do I keep them from getting dry?
Two words: don’t overbake! Turkey goes from juicy to hockey puck real quick. Pull them at 165°F and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I make them ahead?
You bet! The mixture keeps great in the fridge for a day before cooking. Or freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
What if my cranberry sauce is too thick?
Easy fix – just thin it with a teaspoon of orange juice or water until it’s drizzle-able.
There you go – all my meatball wisdom in one place! Still have questions? Drop them in the comments – I love helping troubleshoot.
Nutrition Information for Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty bites: each serving (about 4 meatballs) comes in around 220 calories with 8g fat and 18g protein. Remember – the exact numbers will dance around depending on your specific ingredients. I always say, if you’re craving comfort food, these are a pretty great choice that won’t leave you feeling weighed down!
Share Your Turkey Cranberry Meatballs Experience
I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic and tag me @mykitchenadventures – nothing makes me happier than seeing you all enjoy these. And hey, if you loved them as much as I do, drop a rating below to let others know!