Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! These Sage and Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are not just your average meatballs; they are a mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll discover how easy it is to elevate your weeknight meals. Dive into this scrumptious recipe that combines the richness of ground turkey with the aromatic essence of fresh sage and the delightful burst of dried cranberries—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped dried cranberries, fresh chopped sage, grated parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Using clean hands, gently roll the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 16-20 meatballs depending on desired size.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other to allow proper heat circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer - meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) at the center to ensure safe consumption.
- Remove from oven and let meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh sage leaves or with a complementary dipping sauce.
Tips
- Mixing Techniques: When combining the ingredients, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture. This helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Use your hands for the best results, but a wooden spoon will work too!
- Uniform Size: For even cooking, make sure to roll the meatballs into uniform sizes, about
- 5 inches in diameter. This will ensure they cook evenly and are easy to serve.
- Baking Sheet Prep: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup a breeze and keep your meatballs intact.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Resting Time: Let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more flavorful and moist.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are delicious on their own, but consider serving them with a tangy dipping sauce or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh sage leaves adds a lovely touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
