Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 2 cups (about 80–100 g) fresh breadcrumbs or day-old bread, pulsed coarse
- 1 cup cooked cranberries (or 3/4 cup rehydrated dried cranberries)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauting and/or pan-searing)
- 2–3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (only if mixture seems dry)
- Optional glaze: 2 tablespoons maple syrup + 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced green onions; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Toast the breadcrumbs (optional). If your breadcrumbs are not stale, spread them on a sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden — this removes excess moisture and improves texture.
- Combine base ingredients. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cooked cranberries, cooled sautéed aromatics, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beaten egg and stir with a spatula or your hands until evenly incorporated. If the mixture feels dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of broth at a time until it holds together but is not wet.
- Rest and chill briefly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling firms the mixture so balls hold shape during cooking and improves texture.
- Form the balls. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, portion the mixture and roll into uniform balls (about 1 to 1¼ inches). Place formed balls on a parchment-lined tray as you work.
- Cook — bake or pan-sear. Two good options:
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and spray lightly with oil. Bake 12–16 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-sear: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add balls in a single layer (work in batches) and cook 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through, turning to brown evenly. Finish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes if needed.
- Optional glaze. For a sweet-savory finish, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon, and 1 tbsp water. Brush glaze over warm balls and return to oven 1–2 minutes to set.
- Serve. Transfer to a platter and garnish with additional sliced green onion and a few whole cranberries or parsley sprigs. Serve warm with mustard or cranberry-maple dipping sauce if desired.






