🍁 Wonderful Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze 🍽️

🍁 Wonderful Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze 🍽️

Imagine a crisp autumn evening, the aroma of herbs and cranberries filling the air, and a plate of juicy, golden-brown turkey meatballs sitting in front of you. The kind of dish that makes you feel warm and content, like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. That’s exactly what Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze brings to the table.

This dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet—succulent turkey meatballs seasoned with fresh thyme and sage, paired with a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry glaze that adds the ideal punch of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, looking for a comforting meal to serve your family, or just craving something cozy on a cool fall evening, this dish is bound to become a favorite.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Just imagine cutting into one of these tender meatballs, smothered in that luscious cranberry glaze, and served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Every bite is a little taste of autumn—and trust me, it’ll leave you coming back for more.

So, let’s get started! I’ll walk you through all the steps, tips, and variations to make sure this dish turns out absolutely perfect, every time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for something new to try, these turkey meatballs will never disappoint.


Canned vs. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

  • Canned Cranberry Sauce: Convenient and consistent in flavor and texture.
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Brighter in color, more texture, and often more tart. Adjust sweetness with additional maple syrup to balance the flavors.

If you’ve got leftover homemade cranberry sauce from the holidays, this is the perfect way to repurpose it!


Can You Make This Ahead?

Absolutely!

  • Meatballs: Mix and form the turkey mixture into balls, then refrigerate them overnight, covered.
  • Cranberry Glaze: Prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

This makes it perfect for preparing ahead and having everything ready for a quick, delicious meal!


Ingredients:

For the Meatballs

  • 1 large egg
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 Tbsp. whole-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (or a non-alcoholic substitute)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. (94% lean) ground turkey
  • 1/2 c. panko bread crumbs

For the Cranberry Glaze & Assembly

  • 1 c. canned or homemade cranberry sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Mashed potatoes, for serving

Step-By-Step Directions:

For the Meatballs:

  1. Mix the Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, beat the egg with a fork until blended. Add the onion, yogurt, thyme, sage, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine. Add the ground turkey and bread crumbs, mixing gently with clean hands until just combined.
  2. Form the Meatballs:
    Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a large plate. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to chill.

For the Cranberry Glaze & Assembly:

  1. Make the Glaze:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, orange zest, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  2. Cook the Meatballs:
    Heat the olive oil in a high-sided 12″ skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until golden brown on one side (about 4 minutes). Flip and cook the other side until browned (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add the Sauce:
    Pour the cranberry glaze over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them evenly. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meatballs registers 165°F (3–5 minutes).
  4. Serve:
    Divide mashed potatoes among plates and spoon the meatballs and cranberry glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired.

Serving Ideas

These Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze make a cozy, fall-inspired meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate the dish:

  • Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing. Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the cranberry glaze to soak into the potatoes for added flavor.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts complement the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs.
  • Steamed Green Beans: A simple green vegetable like steamed green beans offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich meatballs and gravy.
  • Rice or Quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, serve the meatballs over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious glaze.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up the extra cranberry sauce on your plate.

This dish is versatile and works equally well as a cozy weeknight dinner or as a special dish to serve guests for the holidays.


Nutritive Value (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze:

Serving Size: 4 meatballs with cranberry glaze, served with mashed potatoes

  • Calories: 350–400 kcal
  • Protein: 28–32g
  • Carbohydrates: 30–35g
  • Fiber: 4–6g
  • Fat: 18–22g
    • Saturated Fat: 5–7g
  • Cholesterol: 70–85mg
  • Sodium: 500–600mg
  • Sugars: 15–18g (mostly from the cranberry glaze and maple syrup)

This is a balanced meal that offers lean protein from the turkey, healthy fats from olive oil, and carbohydrates from the potatoes and bread crumbs, making it a filling and satisfying dish. It also provides a good dose of fiber, particularly if you serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables on the side.


FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
    Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute. Just be mindful that it may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will work well in this recipe.
  2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
    Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of the panko bread crumbs.
  3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. You can also prepare the cranberry glaze a day before and store it in the fridge. Just heat everything up when you’re ready to serve.
  4. How do I store leftovers?
    Leftover meatballs and cranberry glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. The meatballs also freeze well for up to 3 months—just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes! You can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tempeh or a meat substitute like Impossible or Beyond meat. Use the same herbs and glaze to keep the flavors intact.
  6. Can I make the cranberry glaze sweeter?
    If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more maple syrup or honey to taste. Just be sure to adjust the acidity by adding a little extra vinegar if needed.

Why Greek Yogurt?

Lean ground turkey can sometimes turn out dry if overcooked. Adding a dollop of rich Greek yogurt brings much-needed moisture to the meatballs, ensuring they’re just as tender and juicy as beef alternatives. The yogurt not only enhances texture but also adds a subtle tang that balances perfectly with the savory meatballs.


Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ways to make Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze uniquely yours:

  1. Herb Variations:
    • Experiment with different herbs! Swap out the thyme and sage for rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile. Fresh parsley or tarragon can also add a bright, aromatic touch.
  2. Spice Things Up:
    • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper in the glaze can also add a nice kick.
  3. Sweet and Savory Twist:
    • For a more complex flavor, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry glaze for a sweet-savory contrast. You could also try using cherry jam or apricot preserves in place of cranberry sauce for a fruity twist.
  4. Different Meat Options:
    • You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean beef, or even ground lamb for a different taste. For a lighter version, use lean ground chicken breast.
  5. Add Cheese:
    • Incorporate some grated Parmesan or goat cheese into the meatball mixture for a creamy texture and added richness. It can elevate the flavor and create a delightful contrast to the tart cranberry glaze.
  6. Vegetarian or Vegan:
    • To make the dish vegetarian or vegan, use plant-based ground meat like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat. You can also use tofu or lentils as a base for the meatballs. For a vegan glaze, substitute maple syrup for the honey and use a plant-based yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
  7. Alternative Glaze:
    • Experiment with different glazes. Try a pomegranate glaze instead of cranberry for a more exotic twist or make a spicy barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. A honey mustard glaze would also pair wonderfully with the turkey meatballs.
  8. Serving Variations:
    • Instead of mashed potatoes, serve the meatballs with a bed of quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a lighter meal. You can also serve them over zucchini noodles or a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a healthier option.
  9. Add Veggies to the Meatballs:
    • Sneak in some extra vegetables by adding finely grated zucchini or carrots to the meatball mixture. It will boost the nutritional value while maintaining a moist texture.
  10. Make It a Meal:
    • Turn this dish into a complete meal by pairing the meatballs with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, for a comforting, well-rounded dinner.

🌟 Tips for Success:

  • For Juicier Meatballs: Avoid overmixing the turkey mixture; this can make the meatballs dense.
  • Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry glaze for a hint of warmth.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Make extra meatballs and freeze them uncooked for a quick meal on busy days.

This dish is the perfect balance of herby, savory, and sweet—a celebration of autumn flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, these turkey meatballs will be a hit. Let us know how yours turned out in the comments below!


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