Turkey Applesauce Meatballs with Cranberries
Sweet, savory, and perfectly festive, these Turkey Applesauce Meatballs with Cranberries are a wholesome twist on traditional meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey and naturally sweetened with unsweetened applesauce and dried cranberries, this recipe achieves a perfect balance of flavors. A touch of garlic powder and diced onion adds a savory depth, while breadcrumbs and a single egg ensure tender, juicy meatballs every time. Baked until golden and garnished with fresh parsley, these easy-to-make meatballs are an ideal holiday appetizer, a unique party snack, or a satisfying main dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this light and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey
- 0.5 cup Applesauce (unsweetened)
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 1 large Egg
- 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Onion (finely diced)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, applesauce, dried cranberries, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Portion the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (roughly 2 tablespoons each), and roll them into smooth balls using your hands.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a simple garnish or side dish, such as a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish alongside your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1479 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.2 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 542 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 4090 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.5 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.1 g | ||
| Protein | 104.7 g | 209% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 304 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
