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A plate of juicy Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs served over mashed potatoes, garnished with cranberries and sage.

Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Tender turkey meatballs glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce. A lighter twist on classic holiday appetizers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • oven-safe skillet
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1.25 lb ground turkey
  • 1 C peeled and shredded tart apple
  • 1/4 C panko bread crumbs
  • 1 lightly beaten large egg
  • 2 finely chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Cranberry Meatball Glaze

  • 1 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1/3 C water
  • 1 C fresh cranberries
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp white sugar
  • 1 zest of orange
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the apple, panko, egg, green onions, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined. Add ground turkey and mix with your hands until just combined.
  • Coat an oven-safe pan with oil. Form meat mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange in the pan.
  • Cook meatballs in oven for 14-19 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • While meatballs cook, prepare glaze ingredients.
  • Combine all glaze ingredients in skillet or saucepan. Bring to boil, then simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add cooked meatballs to glaze and simmer for 1 more minute.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, make the glaze in the same skillet used for cooking the meatballs.
Keyword cranberry glaze, holiday appetizers, Party Food, turkey meatballs