Harvest Turkey Meatballs Cranberry Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking to bring warmth and comfort to your dining table this season, look no further than these delightful Harvest Turkey Meatballs drizzled with a luscious cranberry glaze. They offer a lovely combination of savory turkey, aromatic herbs, and a sweet yet tangy sauce that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor. Each bite is a little celebration of seasonal goodness, perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why Make This Recipe

• Hearty and healthy: These turkey meatballs provide a nutritious twist on comfort food, keeping your meals light without sacrificing taste.
• Festive flavors: The combination of cranberry glaze and fresh herbs captures the essence of autumn, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and pantry staples, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Easy Method for Harvest Turkey Meatballs Cranberry Glaze

Creating these delectable Harvest Turkey Meatballs and their flavorful cranberry glaze is both straightforward and rewarding. Follow the steps below, and soon you’ll have a dish that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced yellow onion and cook gently for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.

3. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for just another minute until it becomes fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

4. While the aromatics are cooling, take a moment to finely chop your fresh sage and thyme. Also, finely chop your dried cranberries.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, the cooled sautéed onion and garlic mixture, minced fresh sage, minced fresh thyme, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the finely chopped dried cranberries.

6. Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Do not overmix to ensure tender, juicy meatballs.

7. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size) to form uniform 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a smooth, round meatball.

8. Place the formed meatballs in a single layer on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

9. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the Harvest Turkey Meatballs for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from oven and set aside.

10. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated fresh ginger (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick).

11. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir all the ingredients together well, helping the cranberry sauce melt and brown sugar dissolve.

12. Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld beautifully.

13. Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a completely smooth glaze, you can carefully use an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender to purée it (be cautious with hot liquids).

14. Gently add the cooked Harvest Turkey Meatballs directly into the saucepan with the warm cranberry glaze. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until each one is beautifully coated. You can keep them on very low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to truly seep into the meatballs and ensure they are thoroughly warmed through.

15. Transfer the glazed Harvest Turkey Meatballs to a serving platter. For an extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor, garnish generously with fresh sage leaves, a few fresh cranberries, and a sprinkle of fresh orange zest (optional).

16. Serve your Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze warm. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a crisp green salad.

Storage Tips for Harvest Turkey Meatballs

Once you’ve made the scrumptious Harvest Turkey Meatballs, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh. Here’s a handy guide for storing your delectable dish:

• Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days at 40°F.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze meatballs (cooked or uncooked) for up to 2 months. Make sure they are placed in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions for Harvest Turkey Meatballs

The delightful flavors and textures of Harvest Turkey Meatballs make them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Hearty Meals: Pair the turkey meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes drizzled with the cranberry glaze for a comforting, hearty meal.
• Light and Fresh: Serve on a bed of wild rice accompanied by steamed vegetables to keep it light and nutritious.
• Salad Star: Toss some meatballs on top of a crisp green salad with nuts and cranberries to create a fresh and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
• Pasta Delight: Include the cranberry-glazed meatballs in a pasta dish, gently folding them into spaghetti or penne with a splash of olive oil.

Tips to Make Harvest Turkey Meatballs

• Keep it moist: Use 85% lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist and juicy.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix gently to avoid dense meatballs.
• Add herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme for added flavor.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit or cater to dietary preferences, consider these variations:

• Poultry alternative: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, making this recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. Alternatively, they can be formed and frozen for later cooking.

Q: How do I make these meatballs spicier?
A: To amp up the heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of ground turkey?
A: Yes, ground chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutritional Info

While this recipe is packed with flavor, it’s also nutritious and balanced. The turkey provides lean protein, while the cranberry sauce brings natural sweetness and antioxidants.

• Calories per serving: Approximately 120
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 4g

By preparing these Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze, you’re not just serving food; you’re sharing love and warmth at the table. Ideal for gatherings or a simple family meal, this dish is certain to please everyone. So fire up your oven and get cooking — it’s time to enjoy a seasonal delight! Happy cooking!

Harvest Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry

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Description

Delightful turkey meatballs drizzled with a tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for cozy gatherings or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, sage, thyme, nutmeg, allspice, salt, pepper, and chopped cranberries.
5. Mix gently to combine, then form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
6. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
7. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger (if using), cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
8. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens, stirring occasionally.
9. Gently toss the baked meatballs in the cranberry glaze until well-coated.
10. Serve warm, garnished with sage leaves and fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

Experiment with various herbs for added flavor and keep the meat mixture loose for a tender texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: turkey meatballs, cranberry glaze, holiday recipes, comfort food, healthy meals