Savory Turkey & Cranberry Meatballs 🦃🍒
Comforting, festive, and perfect year-round
These tender turkey meatballs balance savory herbs with pops of sweet-tart cranberry—great for appetizers, weeknight dinners, or holiday spreads.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Meatballs
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1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
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½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
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1 egg
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¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
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¼ cup grated onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp poultry seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 Tbsp milk or broth
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1 Tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing, optional)
Optional Cranberry Glaze
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½ cup cranberry sauce
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1 Tbsp orange juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven
Heat to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. -
Mix meatballs
In a bowl, gently combine all meatball ingredients until just mixed. -
Shape
Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet. -
Bake
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Bake 18–22 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Optional: broil last 2 minutes for browning.
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Optional glaze
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Simmer glaze ingredients 3–4 minutes.
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Toss warm meatballs in glaze or brush on top.
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🌟 Pro Tips
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Grated onion keeps turkey moist
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Don’t overmix—meatballs stay tender
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Dried cranberries chop better when lightly chilled
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Use a cookie scoop for even sizes
🔄 Easy Variations
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Stuffing-style: Use seasoned stuffing crumbs
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Cheesy: Add ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
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Spicy-sweet: Add pinch of red pepper flakes
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Slow cooker: Bake first, then warm in glaze on low 2 hours
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Appetizer with toothpicks
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Over mashed potatoes
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With green beans or roasted veggies
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In sliders with gravy