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Easy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs: Best Recipe

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Juicy, tender turkey meatballs coated in a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze. Perfect for holiday appetizers or easy weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Make the cranberry orange glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, and ground ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Let bubble gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have burst and mixture has thickened into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. While the glaze simmers, make the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and olive oil. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
  4. Shape the meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 20-24 meatballs). Roll gently between your palms to smooth. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart.
  5. Bake the meatballs: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the center.
  6. Glaze the meatballs: Remove baking sheet from oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each meatball with the cranberry orange glaze. Return to oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until glaze is sticky and slightly caramelized.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh orange zest or chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra-sticky glaze, brush a second coat after the first bake and bake for another 2 minutes. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, cranberry orange glaze, easy appetizer, holiday recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-meatballs-best-recipe/