Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze are a delightful twist to the classic meatball dish, combining the natural sweetness of cranberries and maple syrup with the savoury flavour of ground turkey. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing starter for your next gathering. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy.
What Goes into This Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty meatballs:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- 0.75 cup (90g) finely grated Japanese sweet potato (or regular sweet potato)
- 0.25 cup (40g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) finely minced shallots
- 1.5 tablespoons (22ml) paleo mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15g) finely minced fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon (5g) finely minced fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon (6g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use about ½ if using Morton’s kosher salt or fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) avocado oil (or more as needed)
For the Maple Mustard Glaze:
- 0.25 cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) coconut aminos
- 0.5 teaspoon arrowroot powder
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect meatballs:
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sweet potato, cranberries, shallots, mayonnaise, sage, coconut aminos, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- For the oven, bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden, turning halfway through. If using an air fryer, cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and arrowroot powder. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, drizzle the glaze over them and toss gently to coat. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve These Tasty Meatballs
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- Plating: Arrange the meatballs on a large platter or individual plates. Drizzle the glaze over the top for presentation, and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or sage.
- Sides: Pair with a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or fluffy quinoa for a complete meal.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve additional glaze on the side for guests who enjoy a little extra flavour.
- Party Platter: These meatballs make an excellent addition to a sharing platter alongside cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit.
Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Here are a few tips to enhance your cooking experience:
- Moisture Matters: Ensure your mixture isn’t too dry by adjusting the amount of paleo mayonnaise based on your sweet potato’s moisture content.
- Meatball Size: Try to keep the meatballs similar in size to ensure even cooking. A cookie scoop works great for portioning.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Cooking them just before serving will save you time.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken makes an excellent substitute and will still provide a tasty result.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be good alternatives if you prefer a different sweetener.
These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze are a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy meal option. With their delightful taste and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favourite. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and enjoy the wonderful flavours!