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Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs are tasty and easy to make. You mix ground turkey with simple ingredients, form them into meatballs, and bake. Then, you coat them in a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is great for dinner or parties. Here’s what you need for this recipe: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry) - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make these meatballs, gather these items: - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Small saucepan - Spoon for mixing - Baking gloves (optional) With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create a delicious meal. For the full recipe, check back for complete instructions. To start, gather your ingredients. You need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix all these items together. Use your hands to ensure it is well combined. You want a uniform mixture for the best meatballs. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about one inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleaning easy. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, it’s time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Heat it over medium until it warms and blends well. Stir it gently to avoid burning. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the pan. Coat them in the sauce and simmer for five minutes. This allows the flavors to mix nicely. For the full recipe, you can refer to the details provided earlier. To make great meatballs, start with fresh ingredients. Use ground turkey that is not too lean. A little fat gives flavor and juiciness. Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can cause tough meatballs. Form the meatballs with wet hands to keep them smooth. Aim for about one inch in size for even cooking. One common mistake is skipping the breadcrumbs. They help meatballs hold their shape. Avoid using too much salt in the mix. You can always add more later. Don’t crowd the baking sheet. Leave space between each meatball for even cooking. Lastly, don’t skip the simmering step. It helps the meatballs soak up the sauce flavors. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce for a kick. Consider mixing in finely chopped bell peppers for added texture. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth. If you want a hint of sweetness, drizzle honey into the sauce. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that make you smile! {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works great and is lean. You could also use ground beef if you want a richer flavor. For a plant-based option, try lentils or chickpeas. Mash them and mix with breadcrumbs for a tasty veggie meatball. To make these meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They hold the mixture well. You can also use crushed rice cakes or oats. Just ensure your BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce are gluten-free. Check labels for hidden gluten. Feel free to play with the spices! Add smoked paprika for a hint of smoke. A splash of hot sauce gives it a kick. Want a sweet twist? Mix in some diced apples or pears. These changes can make the dish your own. You can find the full recipe for more tips. After you cook the cranberry BBQ turkey meatballs, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Store the container in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon. They will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. To reheat the meatballs, use the oven or stovetop. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. For the stovetop, place them in a pan with a bit of sauce. Heat on medium until warm. Stir often to avoid sticking. Freezing meatballs is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. These meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. For a quick meal, you can cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the heating time. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Just prepare the meatballs and bake them. Once they cool, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, heat them in the oven or microwave. This makes meal prep easy and quick. You can serve these meatballs with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice goes well. - Pasta: Serve with some noodles for a fun twist. - Salad: A fresh salad adds color and crunch. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies work nicely too. These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. If you want to reduce the sweetness of the sauce, try these tips: - Add vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar can cut the sweetness. - Use less cranberry sauce: Cut the amount of cranberry sauce in half. - Add mustard: A teaspoon of mustard can give a nice tang. - Mix in spices: Add black pepper or chili powder for heat. These changes can help you find the right balance for your taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered how to make tasty cranberry BBQ turkey meatballs. We explored the full recipe, including tools and a complete ingredient list. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping, baking, and making the sauce. We shared tips for perfect meatballs and how to avoid common mistakes. Plus, you found variations, storage info, and answers to frequently asked questions. Making these meatballs can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs

Delight your taste buds with these savory cranberry BBQ turkey meatballs! This easy recipe blends ground turkey, spices, and a luscious cranberry BBQ sauce for a dish that's packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these meatballs are quick to make and incredibly delicious.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

      Form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

        Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

          While the meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce over medium heat. Stir until combined and warm.

            Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently coat the meatballs in the cranberry BBQ mixture.

              Simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

                Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4