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Savory Baked Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs with Fresh Herbs Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approx. 16-20 meatballs) 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These savory baked cranberry-glazed meatballs combine the rich flavors of ground beef or turkey with fresh herbs and a tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they are baked to juicy perfection and finished with a sweet and savory glaze that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Glaze

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or low-sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs cook evenly and don’t stick.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to combine evenly but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
  4. Prepare Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
  5. Apply First Glaze: Brush or spoon half of the cranberry glaze over the meatballs to coat them generously, infusing them with sweet and savory notes.
  6. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
  7. Apply Second Glaze: Remove the meatballs from the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the glaze.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving to add a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use low-sugar cranberry sauce to reduce added sugars if preferred.
  • Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef for a lower fat option.
  • Ensure meatballs are spaced apart on the baking sheet for even cooking.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh thyme and parsley with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity to one-third.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve glaze texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry glazed meatballs, baked meatballs, savory meatballs, holiday appetizers, ground beef meatballs, ground turkey meatballs, cranberry sauce glaze

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/savory-baked-cranberry-glazed-meatballs-with-fresh-herbs-recipe/