Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatball Recipes

As the holiday season approaches, food takes center stage in our celebrations. From hearty dinners to festive appetizers, creating flavorful dishes that bring people together is part of the joy of the season. One dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser is cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs. With their sweet and tangy cranberry glaze and tender, flavorful turkey base, these meatballs are perfect for holiday parties or Christmas dinners.

Using a Blendtec blender makes these recipes not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. From creating the glaze to mixing the meatball ingredients, your Blendtec blender simplifies the process, helping you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Below are three unique takes on cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs. Each recipe is tailored for different preferences, but all capture the holiday spirit with their iconic cranberry notes.

Classic Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs

The classic cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs recipe is simple yet packed with holiday flavor. This dish is perfect as a party appetizer or a side dish for Christmas Eve dinner. The sweet cranberry glaze pairs perfectly with the tender, savory turkey meatballs. The best part? The recipe is easy enough to prepare even if you're hosting a last-minute gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
3. Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs: Cook for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Prepare the cranberry glaze: In your Blendtec blender, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, and maple syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Glaze the meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze until fully coated.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at your holiday party.

Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Meatballs

For those who prefer a hands-off approach to holiday cooking, this slow cooker version of cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs is perfect. Using your Blendtec blender to create a tangy glaze with fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup, this recipe brings bold flavors to the table. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, bread crumbs, garlic powder, and salt. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
2. Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
3. Make the cranberry glaze: Blend fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, water, and orange zest in your Blendtec blender until smooth.
4. Cook in the slow cooker: Place the seared meatballs in a slow cooker and pour the glaze over them. Cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating.
5. Serve and enjoy: Serve directly from the slow cooker, garnished with fresh orange zest or parsley for a festive touch.

Elevated BBQ Cranberry Meatballs

If you’re looking for a unique twist, these BBQ-inspired cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs deliver bold flavors with a hint of holiday sweetness. The addition of Parmesan cheese and a splash of BBQ sauce gives these meatballs a rich, savory taste, while the cranberry glaze adds a festive flair. Serve these over mashed potatoes or green beans for a hearty meal, or on a platter with toothpicks as a party appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into meatballs.
2. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
3. Blend the glaze: In your Blendtec blender, blend cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce until smooth.
4. Glaze and serve: Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze until evenly coated. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Why Use a Blendtec 

The Blendtec blender makes preparing cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs faster and easier than ever. Its high-powered blades blend ingredients into smooth, consistent textures, ensuring the glaze is perfectly silky every time. It’s also great for mixing tougher ingredients like fresh cranberries, helping you achieve bold, vibrant flavors in your dishes.

Using a Blendtec doesn’t just save time; it also elevates the quality of your food. Whether you’re blending a tangy cranberry glaze or creating a smooth meatball mixture, this versatile appliance makes cooking effortless. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their holiday meal prep.

This holiday season, let your Blendtec blender help you create memorable meals with minimal effort. From mixing to blending, it’s the ultimate tool for achieving professional-quality dishes in your home kitchen. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the flavors of the season with family and friends!