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As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a hub of activity filled with the enticing aromas of seasonal dishes. Holiday cooking is an opportunity to celebrate flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia, and one of the best ways to do this is by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into your meals. This is where our Festive Cranberry Apple Turkey Meatballs come into play, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. By blending the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the lean goodness of turkey, this recipe creates a festive dish that is both healthy and delicious. Not only is it perfect for impressing guests, but it also makes for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love.

Cranberry Apple Turkey Meatballs

Celebrate the holiday season with these Festive Cranberry Apple Turkey Meatballs! This delightful twist on a classic dish combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and lean turkey, making them perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. Packed with flavor and nutrition, these meatballs are easy to prepare and versatile for serving. Impress your guests with this healthy and tasty recipe that embodies the warmth of the holidays.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or 1/3 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped)

1 medium apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Optional: cranberry sauce, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, diced apple, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

      Form Meatballs: With your hands, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

        Sear Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add half of the meatballs and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining meatballs.

          Bake the Meatballs: Once all meatballs are browned, return them to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 73°C).

            Serve: Serve warm, optionally drizzled with cranberry sauce for extra flavor. These meatballs make a fantastic appetizer, main dish, or addition to a holiday spread.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6