Save It Juicy turkey meatballs studded with tangy feta and cranberries, served with a vibrant sweet chili sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or festive main course.
I first tried these meatballs at a friends get-together, and guests could not stop raving about the unique flavor combo. I now make them every holiday season because they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: 500 g (1 lb)
- Feta cheese: 100 g (1 cup), crumbled
- Dried cranberries: 60 g (1/2 cup), roughly chopped
- Egg: 1 large
- Breadcrumbs: 60 g (1/2 cup)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sweet chili sauce: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lime juice: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, feta, cranberries, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overwork).
- Form Meatballs:
- Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls (about 24). Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce:
- While meatballs bake, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring, until heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer baked meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle with the warm sweet chili sauce, or serve sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.
Save It Making these meatballs together with my kids has become a favorite pre-holiday tradition. Everyone helps roll them and sneaks little tastes of cranberries and feta while we work!
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, whisk or spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese), eggs, gluten (breadcrumbs), and soy (soy sauce). Check store-bought ingredients if serving allergy-sensitive guests.
Nutritional Information
Per meatball (approximate): 60 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 5 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Save It Serve these meatballs hot for best flavor and texture. They are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any party!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can ground chicken be used instead of turkey?
Yes, substituting ground chicken for turkey works well and results in a similarly tender texture with a milder flavor.
- → How can I add spice to the meatballs?
Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture for a subtle heat that complements the sweet chili sauce.
- → Is it necessary to bake the meatballs?
Baking ensures even cooking and browning without excess oil, making the meatballs juicy and less greasy compared to frying.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve these meatballs as finger foods with toothpicks or alongside steamed rice for a more filling option.
- → Can the sweet chili sauce be made from scratch?
Absolutely, combining honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili paste creates a fresh, vibrant sauce to complement the meatballs.