Festive Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

These turkey cranberry meatballs bring holiday magic to your table with every single bite. I’ve been making them for years now.

The sweet-tart cranberry glaze paired with tender turkey creates something truly special. You’ll find yourself craving these long after the holidays end.

Why this Turkey cranberry meatballs always gets requests from family

The combination of fresh apple and sage transforms ordinary ground turkey into something extraordinary. Your kitchen fills with the most incredible autumn scents while they bake.

I love how the cranberry sauce clings to each meatball without being too sticky. The orange zest adds brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

These turkey cranberry meatballs disappear faster than I can make them at every gathering.

What you will need to make this Turkey cranberry meatballs

Here’s everything that goes into these crowd-pleasing meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1¼ pounds lean ground turkey (I prefer 93% lean for the best texture)
• ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works wonderfully too)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil (use good quality for best flavor)
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 1¼ cups finely shredded Granny Smith apple (leave the peel on for color)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced (dried works in a pinch – use 2 teaspoons)
• 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1¼ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Cranberry Glaze:

• 1¼ cups whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the real stuff makes a difference)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

The apple keeps these turkey cranberry meatballs incredibly moist while adding subtle sweetness.

How I Make This Turkey cranberry meatballs

1. Prep your oven and pan (5 minutes): Set oven to 435°F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Light coating of oil prevents sticking.
2. Mix the meatball base (8 minutes): Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, oil, and egg in a large bowl. The mixture should feel slightly wet but hold together.
3. Add aromatics (3 minutes): Fold in shredded apple, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently – overworking makes tough meatballs.
4. Shape the meatballs (10 minutes): Roll into 1¾-inch balls using slightly damp hands. I get about 26-28 meatballs from this batch.
5. Bake until golden (16-18 minutes): Arrange on prepared rack with space between each one. They should feel firm and spring back lightly.
6. Make the glaze (5 minutes): Whisk cranberry sauce, applesauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
7. Combine and serve: Gently toss warm meatballs in the cranberry glaze. The sauce should coat each one beautifully.

The sizzling sound when they hit the hot pan tells you everything’s going right.

For even more holiday side dishes, try these pan-seared Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans that pair perfectly.

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My Personal Tips for this Turkey cranberry meatballs

Don’t skip grating the apple yourself – pre-shredded versions lack the moisture these need. The natural juices keep everything tender and add natural sweetness.

I always wet my hands slightly when rolling the meatballs. This prevents sticking and creates perfectly smooth surfaces that brown evenly.

The wire rack trick lets hot air circulate underneath, creating better browning. You’ll get crispy exteriors without flipping them halfway through baking.

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Can I make these turkey cranberry meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shape them the night before and refrigerate on the baking sheet. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold.

What’s the best way to store leftover turkey cranberry meatballs?

Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm oven to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, freeze them after baking but before adding the glaze. They’ll keep for 3 months and reheat beautifully in the oven.

How can I make the cranberry sauce less sweet?

Add an extra tablespoon of orange juice and reduce the maple syrup by half. The citrus balances the natural cranberry tartness perfectly.

Connect with me on Pinterest for more holiday recipe inspiration and seasonal cooking ideas that’ll make your kitchen feel like home.

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Perfect moments for this Turkey cranberry meatballs

These shine at holiday parties where you need something that travels well and stays warm. I often bring them to potlucks in my slow cooker on the warm setting.

These easy cranberry turkey sliders make another fantastic option for holiday entertaining.

Sunday football gatherings become more special when these appear on the coffee table. The sweet-savory combination appeals to both kids and adults equally.