So I made these low carb meatballs earlier this month, knowing that I would post them this week since people are all about turkey turkey turkey right now. I’ll be honest though, sometimes when I write a post weeks after I actually create a recipe it’s hard to get back the same enthusiasm I felt when I first sampled them.
That’s one of the drawbacks of planning out and executing recipes in advance, but it’s become necessary in order for me to stay on top of posting on the blog regularly, while juggling my other responsibilities.
The reason I’m bringing it up, is because it was a total non-issue with this meatball recipe – I can still taste them in my mind and they were excellent! In fact I’m REALLY wishing I had some of these right now! Each one was a perfectly balanced morsel of scrumptiousness! (I don’t care if it’s not a word, I’m using it!)
Not just any ho-hum lump of ground turkey, these beauties are studded with chopped walnuts, minced ginger, and jewel-like cranberry pieces throughout!
[pinterest text=”Festive Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze – a low carb and gluten free meatball recipe from ibreatheimhungry.com. The perfect party appetizer recipe” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/turkeyballs2small-487×700.jpg”]
The walnuts add an interesting texture, while the ginger and cranberries give a mouthwatering tartness. These meatballs are fantastic on their own, and we haven’t even started on this incredible cranberry glaze they are bathed in!!!
Sweet and tart, it adds a lovely punch to the meatballs themselves, while the vibrant color makes these all the more festive and inviting.
[pinterest text=”Festive Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze – a low carb and gluten free meatball recipe from ibreatheimhungry.com. The perfect party appetizer recipe” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/turkeyballssmall-500×695.jpg”]
Delicious hot or cold, these low carb meatballs can be made ahead and served as a fun and festive appetizer at any party.
Or for something different you can serve these as your main dish alongside my low carb turkey dressing, cheesy cauliflower puree, and brussels sprouts with lemon and pine nuts.
[pinterest text=”Festive Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze – a low carb and gluten free meatball recipe from ibreatheimhungry.com. The perfect party appetizer recipe” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/turkeyballs3small-500×692.jpg”]
And of course you’ll need some pumpkin pie (or cake) to finish it off right!
To make this meatball recipe Paleo friendly, simply replace the sugar substitute with honey or maple syrup.
PrintFestive Turkey Meatballs w/ Cranberry Glaze – Low Carb/Gluten Free
- Yield: 16 meatballs 1x
Description
A low carb and gluten free recipe for festive turkey meatballs in a sugar free cranberry glaze. Perfect for your next party!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 Tbsp walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar substitute
- 1/8 tsp xanthan gum
Instructions
To make the meatballs:
- Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a medium bowl and mix gently but thoroughly. Form into 16 meatballs and place on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
To make the glaze:
- Combine the cranberries, water and sweetener in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for about 8 minutes or until the cranberries start to burst. Pour the mixture into a magic bullet or blender and puree. Pour through a fine strainer to remove the bits of skin and seeds. Return to the saucepan and whisk in the xanthan gum. Add the meatballs and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Approximate nutrition info per meatball: 64 calories, 3g fat, 1g net carbs, 5g protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
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Kim says
I made these again yesterday, very yummy and the cranberry bits and glaze make them special. I’ve made about 20 of your meatballs recipes and they’ve all been great!
★★★★★
Jenny says
These would make fabulous canapés too!
Skyler says
These look awesome, will definitely have to try them in time for Christmas. Your photography is great too, I really like that napkin, what a great find! It really goes great with your food in these shots!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks so much Skyler! I think this one was from Target – either that or World Market! I have a napkin obsession lately – it’s a sickness really. ;) Hope you enjoy the meatballs!
BusyMom says
I am sure these taste amazing. They are so pretty, so pleasing to the eye and festive-looking! Digging the toothpicks too…
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks so much! I bought those picks from Pottery Barn years ago and I have gotten lots of comments on them – tried to find something similar to link to but so far haven’t found anything like them yet. Any skewer will do, but for entertaining it’s nice to have a set of pretty ones just to liven things up a bit! :)
shannon says
LOVE. like the color, the flavors, the whole bit. I have a difficult time making things in advance and then writing about them later; same reason. I’m just not as “in the moment” with it as i was when i made it originally. Which is why i suck at planning anything in advance. :)
seriously making these: i feel like these will actually be a christmas thing for us since, SO RED.
Mellissa Sevigny says
These would match perfectly with your lovely cranberry sorbet Shannon! :) Glad I’m not the only one with the writing issue – now that the blog has grown though I just don’t have time to cook and blog the same day anymore – sometimes it’s at least within the week which is OK, but other times weeks could go by because I’ll have cooked a bunch and then blog them over the course of a month. I’ve started taking notes of things in my head while I’m cooking and tasting to help me remember things I want to say in the post and that helps a bit. Maybe this would be a good subject for your Just One Question project!!!!