Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Quick Answer
These Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs combine traditional holiday flavors into a comforting, bite-sized dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
As a food enthusiast living in the bustling heart of New York City, I often find myself pondering how to bring the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into my everyday cooking-especially during this time when the air is crisp and the leaves are falling. With holiday gatherings on the horizon, I've been experimenting with recipes that capture the essence of Turkey Day but in a more approachable, bite-sized form. Enter these Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs. They're perfect for serving as appetizers at festive get-togethers or even as a weeknight dinner that feels special.
A Perfect Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brings the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into bite-sized meatballs.
- Perfect for appetizers at festive gatherings or a special weeknight dinner.
- Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Made with turkey for a healthier twist on traditional meatballs.
- Leftovers are great for meal prep and can be easily frozen for later use.
Ingredients
To create these delightful meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
Meatball Base
- 1 pound ground turkey (ensure it's fresh and not overly lean for moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat is recommended for added flavor)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped (a sweet onion works best)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped (for a nice crunch)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup parsley, freshly chopped (to brighten the dish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram)
- 1 egg (for binding)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs get that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil along with the chopped onions and celery. Sauté them until they are softened and fragrant-about 5 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen will remind you of a cozy Thanksgiving dinner.
Step 3: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and the egg. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients together; be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
With damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Feel the satisfying compression of the ingredients as you roll them.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. They're ready when the tops are golden brown and the meatballs have a slight jiggle in the center. The smell will be absolutely intoxicating!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
These turkey meatballs are delicious on their own, but I love to drizzle a bit more cranberry sauce on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor. They make a beautiful, festive addition to any holiday table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This can lead to dense meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients.
- Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the onions and celery first can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
- Underbaking: Trust your thermometer; the internal temperature of ground turkey should reach 165°F for safety and perfect juiciness.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with Flavor: Don't hesitate to add other spices or herbs that you enjoy. Rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the dish.
- Texture Matters: If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, a splash of chicken broth or another egg can help.
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko, for a crunchier texture.
- Add grated cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Incorporate different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, into the meatball mixture.
How to Serve
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce drizzled on top for added flavor.
- Pair with a side of mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree for a festive meal.
- Serve as appetizers with toothpicks at holiday gatherings.
- Offer a dipping sauce like gravy or a tangy mustard sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals until heated.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After testing this recipe multiple times, I realized how key it is to balance moisture with texture in meatballs. The cranberry sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps them lovely and moist-a perfect addition, especially during the holiday season. These meatballs have now become a go-to for impressing family and friends without a fuss!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 meatballs · Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 20g protein · 18g carbs · 12g fat
Recipe by:
Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix sautéed vegetables with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and egg. Mix gently to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce drizzled on top and enjoy!
Notes
FAQs
Can I use beef or pork instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or pork, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different. Turkey is leaner, which contributes to a lighter meatball.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.
What should I serve with Thanksgiving turkey meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even on a festive platter with assorted dips and sauces for appetizers.
