Introduction
Indulge in the deliciousness of these flavorful turkey meatballs, enhanced with the sweetness of cranberries and a zesty orange glaze. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a festive appetizer, these meatballs offer a lovely combination of savory and sweet, making them a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
– Zest of 1 orange
– ½ cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
Glaze:
– ½ cup canned jellied cranberry sauce
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs
These turkey meatballs not only bring together a unique blend of spices and flavors, but they are also quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a sweet glaze that adds an extra layer of delight!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh or thawed cranberries. Use a fork to smash them lightly, breaking them into large chunks rather than completely pureeing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, finely chopped sage, and the zest of one orange to the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop about two tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll them into balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. You should yield approximately 20 meatballs.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and have a golden brown exterior.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the canned jellied cranberry sauce, pure maple syrup, and orange juice in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Glaze the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the meatballs to coat them.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the glazed meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty main dish.
Notes
Meatball Texture
To ensure the meatballs are tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture when combining the ingredients.
Variation
Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if desired for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings, but they can also work well with a side of vegetables or pasta for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Ingredients
When mixing the meatball ingredients, combine them gently to avoid overworking the ground turkey, which can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands or a spatula to fold the ingredients until evenly distributed.
Shaping Meatballs
Use a scoop or your hands to portion out about two tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball. Roll them between your palms to create uniform balls, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
Baking Meatballs
Bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning without the need for extra oil.
Making the Glaze
Whisk the glaze ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. This technique ensures that the flavors blend well, creating a cohesive and delicious topping for the meatballs.
Brushing the Glaze
After baking, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the meatballs with the glaze. This method ensures that each meatball gets a good amount of the delicious cranberry-orange flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and form the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them before baking. This helps the flavors meld together.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or over mashed potatoes or pasta as a hearty main dish.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Is it necessary to add the orange zest?
The orange zest adds a fresh and bright flavor that complements the cranberries; however, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with a different citrus zest.
Conclusion
These delicious turkey meatballs, infused with fragrant spices and tart cranberries, create a delightful combination of flavors that are perfect for any gathering. The sweet and tangy glaze elevates them to a whole new level, making them an ideal dish for both appetizers and main courses.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine leftover meatball mixture with cooked rice and beans, then fill halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.
Turkey Meatloaf
Use the turkey mixture to create a meatloaf, adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra moisture and flavor.
Meatball Soup
Simmer the baked meatballs in vegetable or chicken broth with diced tomatoes, carrots, and spinach for a hearty soup.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serve the baked meatballs over spaghetti with your favorite marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Meatball Sliders
Place the meatballs on slider buns with cheese and your choice of condiments for a delicious handheld treat.
Meatball Tacos
Ground turkey meatballs can be served in taco shells with avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a fun twist on taco night.
