Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and unique twist on traditional meatballs, combining ground turkey with fresh apple, warming spices, and a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re pan-fried to a golden brown and then simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce until tender and delicious. A great festive dish that balances savory and fruity flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium apple, shredded and squeezed (about 1 cup before squeezing)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 1 batch cranberry sauce (1 1/4 cups)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably Stubbs)
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, shredded apple, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until well combined.
- Form the meatballs: Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Using a small trigger scoop, portion out the meat mixture, then roll into evenly sized meatballs. Place them on a large plate and continue until all the mixture is used, dipping your hands into water as needed.
- Pan-fry the meatballs: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in half the olive oil to coat. Add half the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. Remove cooked meatballs to a plate and repeat with remaining meatballs.
- Make the sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Pour this mixture into the same skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low-medium heat for 10 minutes. Then uncover and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Gently stir to coat in sauce. Transfer to a serving platter, insert toothpicks if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Shredding and squeezing the apple removes excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Dipping your hands in cold water helps to form smooth, even meatballs without sticking.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean pork if preferred.
- For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
- Serve these meatballs as a festive appetizer or alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a full meal.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/cranberry-bbq-turkey-meatballs-recipe/
