Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs (Printer View)

Turkey meatballs with cranberry barbecue sauce—excellent for gatherings or as festive appetizers with bold flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 pound ground turkey
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 tablespoons milk or water
05 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
06 - 1 small onion, finely grated
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cranberry BBQ Sauce

10 - 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
11 - 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
15 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

# Method Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing for optimal texture.
03 - Form the mixture into 24 uniform meatballs, using approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per meatball, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15 minutes or until meatballs are lightly browned and thoroughly cooked.
05 - While meatballs are baking, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili flakes in a large skillet or saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and begins to bubble.
06 - Transfer baked meatballs into the sauce. Toss gently to evenly coat, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and meatballs are fully heated.
07 - Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a main course.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry and fridge staples for easy prep
  • Perfect for both casual get-togethers and more festive holidays
  • Freezer friendly and great for meal prep ahead of time
  • Makes a generous batch to serve a crowd or leftovers the next day
02 -
  • High in protein but lighter than beef
  • Great for freezing as a make-ahead party solution
  • No dairy in the sauce so easily made dairy free
  • The cranberry sauce transforms the entire dish with a hint of tart sweetness I always look for the brightest red berries at the store and my kids secretly love helping whisk the glossy sauce with me in the kitchen It has turned into a little holiday tradition for us
03 -
  • Gently mix the turkey or the meat will become dense
  • A cookie scoop helps make meatballs even in size and shape and means faster rolling
  • Always taste the barbecue sauce before starting because a super smoky or spicy variety can change the flavor profile
  • I learned the hard way not to skip the parchment paper since the glaze can get sticky
  • Enjoy the bursts of flavor and bright color these bring to your appetizer table
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