Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs Ground Turkey (85/15 or 93/7 blend)
- 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs (or crushed stuffing mix for extra flavor)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 small Yellow Onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dried Sage
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Jellied Cranberry Sauce (for the optional glaze)
- 2 tablespoons Chicken Broth or Water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs lightly. Add the minced onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the breadcrumbs and let them sit for a minute to absorb the moisture from the aromatics. This step ensures the herbs are evenly distributed before you add the meat.
- Add the ground turkey to the bowl with your breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. You should get roughly 32 to 40 meatballs depending on the size.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs bake, prepare the budget-friendly glaze by whisking the cranberry sauce and chicken broth in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the meatballs or wait until they are finished and toss them in a bowl with the glaze for a sticky, sweet finish.
- Transfer the meatballs to a large serving platter. If serving as an appetizer, stick a colorful toothpick into each one. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra thyme if you have it on hand. Serve warm with a side of extra gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. These look beautiful piled high and are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes