Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

These turkey cranberry meatballs spells holiday all over it. It's a perfect Thanksgiving leftover recipe and is very family friendly (there's even hidden veggies in it). This is one of my favorite turkey meatball recipes and is a great cranberry turkey combo!

There's so much leftover!  There's only so much stuffing and cranberrry sauce we can all eat right? At least in it's traditional form anyway. This is a great way to use the fixings without waste. The sweet and salt combination of this dish is just perfect. 

Why You'll Love This Turkey Cranberry Meatballs From Scratch Recipe

• Versitile - You can serve this as a meal, a snack, or even an appetizer. 
• Veggie Packed - I added some spinach in this recipe. Meatballs are a great way to pack in those veggies, and this recipe is no exception.
• Wholesome - This checks most of the boxes for a complete meal. Veggies, carbs from the stuffing, protein from the turkey, and of course cranberry.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

First, start preheating the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and a baking/cooling rack. The rack is optional but helps with air flow and even cooking. I also like to prep my ingredients. Measuring them out saves me time, but feel free to do it as you go. 

This is a great way to use that stuffing and all that cranberry sauce.

In a large bowl mix the ground turkey, chopped spinach, egg, premade stuffing, garlic salt and dried rosemary until well combined. 

Scoop even portioned meatballs (about 1 ½ inch).  Cooks Tip: Use a cookie scooper! It will keep your hands clean and make even portions.

Next, bake for 18-20 minutes.

Set aside and let cool. Now it's time to make your cranberry glaze. 

To make the glaze, start whisking together the brown sugar, dissolved cornstarch, cranberry sauce, orange juice, cinnamon and rosemary in a medium sized sauce pot. 

Bring to a boil for 60 seconds, glaze should start to thicken a little. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Toss meatballs in warm sauce or serve meat balls warm alongside the sauce. 

Cook's Tips To Make Hidden Veggie Meatballs

• Use a meat thermometer. Ovens wildy vary and some produce more heat than others. Use a thermometer and make sure it is 165F and no higher. Overcooked meatballs are dry and unflavorable.
• Use a cookie thermometer. This keeps your hands clean and your meatballs perfect in size. 
• If you have extra apples, just add one shredded apple to this recipe for a little moisture if desired. 
• Having a holiday party or game day party? This makes for a great appetizer!
• If you're out of cranberry sauce, you can also glaze this with bbq sauce. 
• If you don't like garlic, feel free to just do your basic salt and pepper.

FAQ:

• Can you freeze these?
  • This recipe is best fresh, but may be frozen separately or tossed for up to 4 months. 
• How do you reheat this?
  • There are several ways to reheat this from frozen. You can reheat it in a slow cooker with sauce Just add meatballs in a crock pot and sauce on low until thawed  In an oven at 350F for 15 minutes or microwave. 
• How long will it keep in the fridge?
  • You can happily keep them in the fridge for 3 days. 
• Can you cook this over stove top?
  • Yes, you can, just add a little olive oil to a pan and brown. 

Looking for more meatball ideas? Try these Korean Meatballs or Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

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