Savory turkey meatballs meet a sticky maple, cranberry and bourbon glaze in this make-ahead holiday appetizer. The alcohol cooks down, leaving a warm caramel flavor.
Recipe Summary
- Prep: 25 min
- Cook: 25 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Servings: 8
- Estimated Cost per Serving: $2.40
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 tsp dried sage and 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed pan with parchment.
- Gently combine turkey, panko, eggs, onion, sage, garlic, salt and pepper; do not overmix.
- Shape into 32 meatballs and bake 16–18 minutes, until they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Simmer maple syrup, cranberry sauce, bourbon and Dijon in a wide skillet for 6–8 minutes until glossy.
- Add cooked meatballs and turn gently until coated. Simmer 2 minutes more.
- Serve warm with picks, or hold in a slow cooker on warm for up to 2 hours.
Cook’s Tips
Moisten your hands before shaping. For an alcohol-free version, replace bourbon with apple cider and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Nutrition per serving
- Sodium 460 mg 20%
Daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Nutrition and cost are estimates and may vary.
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