Description
Tender turkey meatballs with fresh apple and sage, glazed in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1¼ pounds lean ground turkey
- ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg, lightly whisked
- 1¼ cups finely shredded Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced
- 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
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 435°F. Place wire rack on rimmed baking sheet and lightly oil.
- Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, oil, and egg in large bowl. Mix gently.
- Add apple, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll mixture into 1¾-inch balls using slightly damp hands.
- Arrange on prepared rack. Bake 16-18 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, whisk cranberry sauce, applesauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and juice in saucepan over medium heat.
- Gently toss warm meatballs in cranberry glaze. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Wet hands prevent sticking when rolling meatballs
- Wire rack ensures even browning on all sides
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes