This seasonally inspired recipe for Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is a new twist on crowd-pleasing comfort food. And if you love Thanksgiving and all the wonderful flavors of this tasty holiday, then you will love these juicy and tender turkey meatballs. Well-seasoned ground turkey blended with shredded tart apple and bread crumbs and baked to perfection plus homemade apple cranberry sauce. This dish is warm and flavorful, hearty yet healthy, and so delicious. It’s like roasted turkey and cranberry sauce as a meatball!
This holiday-flavored recipe is super easy and quick to make. Start by mixing the ingredients for the meatballs and roll the mixture into 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs. Bake the meatballs just until cooked through, about 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cranberry sauce. Spoon the meatballs into the sauce and baste them with the sauce to coat. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if you wish, and enjoy!
To make the Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Place a baking rack over a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Then set aside.
Use a large bowl to combine 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, ½ cup plain bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 lightly beaten large egg, 1 cup shredded tart apple, 1 ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Use two forks or your hands to mix the ingredients, being careful not to over mix and compact the meat.
Using a small scoop, scoop and roll the mixture into 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs. Place on the prepared baking rack.
Bake the meatballs for 12 to 14 minutes until cooked through.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, zest of 1 orange, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice and warm through.
Add the baked meatballs and spoon the cranberry sauce over them.
Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley and enjoy!
These Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are flavorful, hearty but healthy, and so delicious. Give them a try on Thanksgiving, or make them now to give yourself an early taste of the holiday flavors! And please come back to leave us a comment below.
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