Okay, let’s turn up the heat with a flavor explosion that’s about to become your new obsession! I’m talking about Cranberry Turkey Meatballs.

Forget everything you think you know about meatballs. This isn’t your grandma’s recipe – unless your grandma is secretly a culinary rebel! I first tasted this flavor combo at a holiday party. To be honest, I went in expecting… well, blandness. But then BAM! The sweet-tart cranberry sauce hit my tongue, perfectly balanced by the savory turkey. It was a total flavor revelation.

That’s the Cuba Queen philosophy, right there: taking familiar flavors and cranking them up to eleven. It’s about creating food that makes you say “WOW,” that you can’t stop thinking about, that you need to share with everyone you know. These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are exactly that.

I immediately knew I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen. After a few rounds, I landed on a combo that I’m absolutely obsessed with. I’m sharing this recipe with you today because I know you’re a flavor adventurer like me! Get ready for some serious deliciousness.

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

Here’s what you’ll need to make these savory Cranberry Turkey Meatballs.

1 pound ground turkey: Opt for lean, but not too lean. You need a little fat for that juicy meatball texture.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko makes these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs super light and tender, unlike regular breadcrumbs.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Yellow or white works, whatever you’ve got on hand. This adds a little bite.
1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Celery brings a subtle, savory freshness. Don’t skip it!
1 large egg, lightly beaten: This is your binder, holding everything together.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs are a must for that vibrant flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder delivers that comforting garlicky goodness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t be shy with the salt, it brings out all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce: This is the star of the show! Splurge on a good quality brand.
1/2 cup chili sauce: The secret ingredient that adds a touch of spice and sweetness. A real Cranberry Turkey Meatballs game changer.
1/4 cup water: To thin out the sauce.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This brightens up the sauce and cuts through the sweetness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A little tang never hurt anyone!

This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs ingredient list is short but mighty! You’ll find the best quality ingredients at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. If you’re on a budget, frozen cranberries can be a great substitute for the whole berry cranberry sauce.

Here’s the game-changer that will blow your mind – a pinch of smoked paprika in the meatball mixture. Trust me on this one.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup, and prevents sticking!
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs journey begins!
Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing results in tough meatballs.
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Now they’re ready for some heat!
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. In my kitchen, these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs take exactly 19 minutes to reach perfection.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now! This cranberry meatballs sauce is irresistible.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently toss to coat.
Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Don’t stress – your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are going to be incredible!
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This is where your Cranberry Turkey Meatballs transforms into pure magic!

Here’s where most people mess up their Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – they overcrowd the baking sheet. Give those meatballs some space so they can brown properly! Pro tip for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs perfection: lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray before adding the parchment paper. This prevents the paper from sliding around.

While your **Cranberry Turkey Meatballs** are working their magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key! This **Cranberry Turkey Meatballs** recipe deserves to be shown off.

For maximum impact, serve these beauties in a shallow bowl, drizzled with extra sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley. A sprig of rosemary adds a festive touch.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs as an appetizer at holiday parties. They’re also amazing served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even polenta for a complete meal.

This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs absolutely slays at potlucks! They’re easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the meatballs in a circular pattern on a platter, with a small bowl of extra sauce in the center.

Leftovers? No problem! These **Cranberry Turkey Meatballs** are fantastic in sliders or on top of a baked sweet potato.

For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce during the holidays. I’ve also experimented with adding orange zest for a citrusy twist.

These sweet and savory meatballs are sure to be a hit!

FAQs:

Can I make these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs spicier?Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry sauce. I love a little kick!
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs for my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs?You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as light. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, try toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the meatball mixture.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?Yes, ground chicken is a fine substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is perfectly done?Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs ahead of time?Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine them and simmer just before serving. They also freeze well.
What if my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are dry?Make sure you’re not overcooking them! Also, adding a little extra moisture to the meatball mixture, such as a tablespoon of milk or broth, can help.
Can I use a different kind of cranberry sauce?Absolutely. You can even make your own cranberry sauce from scratch!

I’ve had so many flavor adventurers ask about making these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs in a slow cooker. I haven’t tested that method myself, but Sweet & Savory Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce might give you some inspiration! If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs recipe is totally customizable, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs recipe is all about bold flavors, simple ingredients, and having fun in the kitchen. It’s the Cuba Queen way – taking everyday meals and turning them into something extraordinary. These turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a flavorful appetizer or main dish. Serve these savory Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for a bite-sized flavor explosion.

Here are my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Power Tips:

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture!
Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs!
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet!

Here are a few **Cranberry Turkey Meatballs** variations I’ve created:

Spicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture and a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs: Add orange zest to the meatball mixture and a splash of orange juice to the cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Walnut Turkey Meatballs: Add chopped walnuts to the meatball mixture for a little crunch.

If you are looking for healthy appetizers like these **Cranberry Turkey Meatballs** then you are in the right place.

The Cranberry Orange Turkey Meatballs always get the biggest reactions at my parties! I’ve used it in other turkey recipes like my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey. If you love meatballs check out my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

I have complete confidence that you are going to absolutely rock this recipe. If you want a low carb recipe with turkey you will enjoy my Low Carb Turkey Zucchini Skillet. Serve these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs to impress your family.

Make these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs your signature dish! Your friends and family will thank you.

Now go forth and create some Cranberry Turkey Meatballs memories! And don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Also check out this Juicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – Jillian’s Healthful Eats and this Cranberry Turkey Meatballs {Perfect Holiday Appetizer} – WellPlated for even more turkey cranberry appetizer inspo!

Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Print Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and festive appetizer or light meal, perfect for the holidays or any time of year. Made with lean ground turkey and sweet-tart cranberries, they’re a healthy and delicious twist on a classic.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium heat until the cranberry sauce is melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce glaze. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main course over rice or mashed potatoes. For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce glaze.