Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I know many others feel the same way. There’s something so comforting about being surrounded by loved ones, taking a moment to reflect on the past year, and focusing on everything we’re thankful for—and, of course, enjoying all that delicious comfort food! While the traditional dishes are wonderful, I understand that roasting a whole turkey, or even a turkey breast, can be a lot of work. So, why not shake things up a bit this year with these turkey meatballs?
Why turkey meatballs, you ask? Well, on their own, they’re simple enough—but when paired with a cranberry barbecue sauce, they become something truly special! You still get that sweet, tangy cranberry flavor balanced with the rich smokiness of barbecue sauce.
Now, I’m not saying these meatballs will replace a roasted turkey at Thanksgiving (they probably won’t steal the spotlight from a beautifully roasted bird), but they’d make a fantastic holiday party appetizer! Just a thought. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- ⦿ 1 pound ground turkey
- ⦿ ⅓ cup oats
- ⦿ 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ⦿ 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⦿ 2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
- ⦿ 2 tablespoons sage, minced
- ⦿ 1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
- ⦿ 1 tablespoon thyme, minced
- ⦿ 1 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced
- ⦿ salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
- ○ 12 ounces cranberries
- ○ ½ cup orange juice
- ○ ¼ cup molasses
- ○ 3 tablespoons honey
- ○ 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ○ 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- ○ ½ cup ketchup
- ○ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ○ ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place all ingredients for the turkey meatballs in a large mixing bowl and mix together until just combined. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Take two tablespoons of the mixture and form into a meatball. Place onto a lightly greased baking sheet and repeat until all of the turkey mixture has been used.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and completely cooked through.
5. For the sauce: Place first six ingredients into a saucepan and stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, over medium to medium-low heat.
6. Once the cranberries begin to macerate, about 10 minutes, stir in the remaining ingredients.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and reduced by ⅓. Serve with meatballs.
Celebrating with Arclight Painting
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, togetherness, and savoring the simple joys—values that mean just as much to us here at Arclight Painting. While you’re gathering around the table with loved ones or trying out new recipes like these cranberry barbecue turkey meatballs, remember that we’re here to make your home feel just as inviting and cozy. From fresh, warm paint colors to above-and-beyond service, Arclight Painting is dedicated to transforming spaces into places where you can create cherished memories. Here’s to a season of gratitude and beautiful spaces—happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arclight Painting!
