November/December Recipe of the Month — Turkey Cranberry Meatballs

Photo by Marusa Jonas, Nutrition Education Program
Photo by Marusa Jonas, Nutrition Education Program

By Kayla Colgrove, MS, RDN, ACSM-CPT, Extension Educator in Lancaster County

Holidays are a great time to share meals with family and friends. This easy recipe would be a perfect addition to festive gatherings.

TURKEY CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
(Yield: 8 servings)

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs*
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning


1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients just until mixed.
4. Shape into balls (about 24) and place on a baking sheet.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling uncooked turkey or chicken.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.
7. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Notes: *Crushed cracker crumbs, crushed unsweetened cereal or uncooked oatmeal can be used instead of dry bread crumbs.

Nutrition Information: Serving Size (1/8 of recipe): Calories 120; Total Fat 1.5g; Saturated Fat 0g; Cholesterol 50mg; Sodium 115mg; Total Carbohydrates 12g; Fiber 2g; Total Sugars 3g, includes 2g Added Sugars; Protein 15g; Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Vitamin D 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 6%; Potassium 0%.

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processor