Description
Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, creating a culinary sensation that’s perfect for any gathering. These tender meatballs, crafted from ground turkey and aromatic minced onion, are bathed in a zesty cranberry sauce infused with a hint of chili and orange. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply seeking a tasty addition to your dinner menu, these meatballs are guaranteed to leave taste buds tingling with delight.
Ingredients
- Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Cranberry Sauce:
- ¾ cup jellied cranberry sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix and Form:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, egg, milk, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown, ensuring tender and flavorful results.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a large saucepan, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, BBQ sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, Sriracha chili sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces.
- Coat and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly. Optionally, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker set on low heat to keep warm until ready to serve.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the meatballs with orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor, if desired, and serve with toothpicks for easy serving, allowing guests to indulge in each delectable bite.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the Cranberry Meatballs on a festive platter and garnish with fresh parsley or orange zest for an eye-catching presentation.
Dipping Delight: Serve alongside extra cranberry sauce or a side of tangy mustard for dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.
Slider Sensation: Transform these meatballs into mini sliders by placing them between small buns or rolls, topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a slice of cheese for a delightful appetizer or main course.
Rice or Pasta Pairing: Serve the Cranberry Meatballs over a bed of cooked rice or pasta for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Storage Guidelines:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cranberry Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Option: To prolong their shelf life, freeze the cooked meatballs without the sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, adding additional cranberry sauce if necessary to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
