Turkey Applesauce Meatballs with Cranberries

Sweet, savory, and perfectly festive, these Turkey Applesauce Meatballs with Cranberries are a wholesome twist on traditional meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey and naturally sweetened with unsweetened applesauce and dried cranberries, this recipe achieves a perfect balance of flavors. A touch of garlic powder and diced onion adds a savory depth, while breadcrumbs and a single egg ensure tender, juicy meatballs every time. Baked until golden and garnished with fresh parsley, these easy-to-make meatballs are an ideal holiday appetizer, a unique party snack, or a satisfying main dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this light and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground turkey
• 0.5 cup Applesauce (unsweetened)
• 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
• 1 large Egg
• 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Onion (finely diced)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, applesauce, dried cranberries, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4

Portion the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (roughly 2 tablespoons each), and roll them into smooth balls using your hands.

Step 5

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Step 6

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 7

While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a simple garnish or side dish, such as a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 9

Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish alongside your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(839.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1479.3

Total Fat 58.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 541.5mg	0%
Sodium 4090.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 66.1g
Protein 104.7g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 99.4mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 304.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.2%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 36.7%