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Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs for Crowds

cranberry orange glazed turkey meatballs - featured image
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Sweet, tangy, and savory turkey meatballs with a cranberry orange glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings. Made with frozen meatballs for a quick and easy appetizer that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs frozen turkey meatballs
  • 14 oz canned whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk over medium heat until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Prepare the Meatballs: Place frozen turkey meatballs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  3. Combine and Coat: Pour the warm glaze over the meatballs. Gently toss with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until evenly coated.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours. Stir halfway through cooking. Meatballs are done when heated through and glaze has thickened slightly (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Thicken the Glaze (Optional): Remove meatballs with a slotted spoon. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour into remaining glaze in slow cooker, stir, and cook on HIGH uncovered for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Pour back over meatballs and toss.
  6. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or keep in slow cooker on WARM. Garnish with extra orange zest and chopped parsley if desired. Serve with toothpicks.

Notes

For a quicker version, mix glaze ingredients directly in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours. The glaze can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked and reduce cooking time to 1 hour on LOW. To prevent meatballs from falling apart, use frozen meatballs and stir gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange meatballs, turkey meatballs, party appetizer, slow cooker meatballs, holiday appetizer, easy meatballs

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