Go Back
For the meatballs, you will need: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients form a great base for the meatballs. The ground turkey or beef gives them a hearty texture. The breadcrumbs help keep them moist, while parsley adds freshness. Parmesan cheese brings a nice salty flavor. Next, for the glaze, gather: - 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade) - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon ground ginger This glaze is sweet and tangy. The cranberry sauce is key for that rich flavor. Orange zest and juice brighten up the dish. Soy sauce adds depth, honey gives sweetness, and ginger adds warmth. Consider adding these garnishes for a pop of color: - Additional chopped parsley - Orange wedges These garnishes not only look good but also add a fresh taste. They can enhance the meal's appeal and make it look more inviting. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey or beef. - Try gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free choice. - Maple syrup can replace honey if you like a different sweet flavor. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. You can play around with flavors and textures based on what you have. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for meatballs. Next, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, an egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Freshness matters, so use fresh parsley if you can. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Make sure all ingredients blend together. Now, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should form about 20 to 24 meatballs. The size helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should turn brown and be fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger. Heat it over medium-low. Stir until it warms and thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm cranberry orange glaze over the meatballs. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Now your delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs are ready to serve! Enjoy the balance of sweet and savory flavors. To make perfect meatballs, start with quality meat. Use ground turkey or beef. The right fat content helps keep them moist. Mix the meat with breadcrumbs and cheese. This adds flavor and keeps them tender. Add a beaten egg to bind everything together. Season with garlic and onion powder for taste. Keep your hands wet while forming the meatballs. This helps prevent sticking. Aim for 1-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking. Bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes. Check them for a nice brown color. Serve these meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for a glossy look. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Add orange wedges for a fun touch. These meatballs pair well with rice or mashed potatoes. They also taste great on a sub roll for a sandwich. For a lighter meal, serve them with a salad. One mistake is not mixing the meat well. If you don’t mix it enough, the meatballs may fall apart. Another error is overcooking them. Keep an eye on the time to avoid dryness. Avoid adding too much liquid to the mixture. This can make the meatballs tough. Lastly, don’t skip the glaze. It is what gives these meatballs their unique flavor. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your meatballs and glaze. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the glaze before coating the meatballs, and adjust the honey to reach your desired sweetness level. Experiment with Meats: While ground turkey is leaner, feel free to use ground beef or even a mix for richer flavor and texture. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and glaze in advance; store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy reheating. {{image_2}} You can switch the meat in these meatballs. Ground turkey is light and healthy. Ground beef gives a rich taste. You can also use ground chicken or pork. For a leaner choice, try ground venison. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture. You can add new flavors to the glaze. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. If you love herbs, try adding fresh thyme or rosemary. These herbs pair well with the sweet glaze. You could also use apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. Each change creates a new taste experience. Making these meatballs gluten-free is easy. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. For a vegan version, swap the meat for lentils or chickpeas. You can blend these with spices and breadcrumbs to form meatballs. Use flaxseed meal with water instead of an egg to bind them. The glaze works great with these options too. To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy them as a quick snack or meal! You can freeze these meatballs easily. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. This helps them keep their shape. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, there are a few ways to reheat your meatballs. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, put them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Enjoy them with the glaze for the best flavor! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool and store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes - Green beans or broccoli - A fresh salad These sides balance the sweet and tangy glaze. You can mix and match to fit your meal. To change the sweetness of the glaze, you can add or reduce honey. If you want it sweeter, add more honey, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit more orange juice. This brightens up the flavor while toning down the sweetness. Cranberry orange glazed meatballs are simple and fun to make. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and tips for perfect meatballs. Explore variations to meet your needs and store leftovers easily. Remember, you can adjust the glaze’s sweetness to your taste. With these ideas and tricks, you'll impress friends and family. Cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding, so get in the kitchen and try it now. Your tasty meal awaits!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you should get about 20-24).
  • Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger. Heat over medium-low until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cranberry orange glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
  • Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving dish. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Notes

Serve on a large platter garnished with additional chopped parsley and orange wedges for a vibrant presentation.
Keyword cranberry, glaze, meatballs, orange