Imagine transforming your traditional Thanksgiving feast with a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic flavors of holiday turkey and tangy cranberry in one irresistible bite! These Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs aren't just another appetizer - they're a culinary adventure that will have your guests talking long after the last plate is cleared. Packed with festive herbs, juicy ground turkey, and a luscious cranberry sauce, this recipe is about to become your new holiday sensation that bridges comfort food with gourmet elegance.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped dried cranberries, beaten egg, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Using clean hands, form the turkey mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 18-20 meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each meatball to allow for proper heat circulation and even browning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While meatballs are baking, warm the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once meatballs are fully cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Transfer meatballs to a serving platter and generously drizzle with warm cranberry sauce, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional dried cranberries if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Ensure your ground turkey is cold when mixing to help bind ingredients more effectively
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture - this can make them tough and dense
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes for even cooking
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety
- Let meatballs rest after cooking to retain moisture and enhance flavor
- For extra richness, consider adding a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture
- If preparing ahead, these meatballs can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month
- Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for additional flavor complexity
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
