Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer with Cranberry Glaze is the perfect starter for any gathering, combining savory turkey meatballs with a sweet and tangy glaze. This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests. Whether it’s a festive party or a cozy dinner at home, these flavorful bites are a hit! Let’s dive into this easy turkey meatball appetizer recipe that will add a special touch to your next event.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
There are countless reasons to adore this dish! First, these turkey meatball appetizers are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit any occasion. They are made with lean turkey, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional meatballs. The combination of savory flavors from the turkey and the sweet, tangy cranberry glaze creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for meal prep. You can also serve them as savory turkey meatball snacks or as part of a turkey meatball appetizer platter. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it one of the best turkey meatball appetizer ideas out there!

Ingredients for Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
Gather these items:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
How to Make Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, and garlic powder until just combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet with space in between.
- Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Step 5: While baking, whisk together cranberry sauce and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.
- Step 6: Drizzle the glaze over the baked meatballs before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
Keep these in mind:
- Customize with herbs or spices to your taste.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- For added flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper for a spicy turkey meatball appetizer recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
These turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as mini turkey meatballs for entertaining or as part of a turkey meatball skewers for parties. Pair them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as a creamy ranch or a spicy sriracha, to enhance the flavor. They can also be served over a bed of greens for a more substantial meal.
How to Store and Reheat Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This makes them a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these flavorful turkey meatball hors d’oeuvres throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer
What is the best sauce for turkey meatballs?
The best sauce for turkey meatballs is a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, which perfectly complements the savory turkey flavor. Other popular options include marinara sauce or a spicy sriracha sauce for those who prefer some heat.
Why are turkey meatballs a great appetizer?
Turkey meatballs are a great appetizer because they are both healthy and satisfying. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them a nutritious choice for any gathering. Plus, their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties!
Can I make Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This makes it convenient for entertaining or family meals!
Variations of Irresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:
- For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate feta cheese and olives into the turkey mixture.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy turkey meatball appetizer recipe.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with different dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
For more delicious recipes, check out our appetizer category or learn how to make homemade tomato sauce to pair with your meatballs. If you’re interested in healthy eating, you might also enjoy reading about the benefits of onions.
PrintIrresistible Turkey Meatball Appetizer with Cranberry Glaze
Turkey Meatball Appetizer with Cranberry Glaze is a festive and delightful dish that combines savory turkey meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, and garlic powder until just combined.
- Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet with space in between.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- While baking, whisk together cranberry sauce and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the baked meatballs before serving.
Notes
- Customize with herbs or spices to your taste.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg












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