Imagine a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the lean goodness of turkey with a tantalizing cranberry barbecue sauce that'll make your taste buds dance! These herbed turkey meatballs are not just another boring dish - they're a flavor explosion that transforms traditional holiday cooking into a gourmet experience. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that's both healthy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients using your hands, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs about
- 5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce until well combined to create the cranberry barbecue sauce.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the meatballs generously with the cranberry barbecue sauce.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot with additional cranberry barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips
- Always use cold ingredients when mixing meatballs to help them hold their shape better.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - gentle mixing prevents tough meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Let meatballs rest after cooking to help retain their juiciness.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting your breadcrumbs before mixing them into the meat.
- If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can finish the meatballs under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
