DISCLAIMER: This post was developed in sponsored partnership with Club House, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.
These Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs make perfect healthy holiday appetizers that you and your family are going to love!
Everyone has their family traditions when it comes to holiday entertaining and for me, it’s all about the cocktail meatballs. OK, so I grew up on grape jelly crockpot meatballs (made with IKEA frozen meatballs, of course), but as soon as I was old enough to pitch in with the holiday spread, I was determined to take them on. Sorry Ma, but goodbye sugary jelly, and hello lean turkey meatball packed with festive flavours. Introducing my Healthy Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs with velvety low Sodium gravy drizzle.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs
These Turkey Cocktail Meatballs start with high fibre oats in place of traditional white bread crumbs to boost the nutrition. I also use extra lean ground turkey (to keep with the holiday vibe), and bulk it up with low calorie high fibre mushrooms. Cranberries add a tangy-sweet bite, while rosemary and sage round out the festive feels.
But my Healthy Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs would not be complete without something velvety and dreamy to dip, dunk or get smothered in. With so many dishes on the go during the holidays (including a massive turkey!), I can take all the short cuts I can get. Gravy is one of those many jobs that I’m happy to hand off to the experts. When taste is important (and let’s be honest, it’s the MOST important consideration during the holidays), Club House Gravy Mixes are my go to. It makes the otherwise stressful experience of entertaining so much easier, more convenient and undeniably delicious.
For my Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs, I usually like using the 25% less salt Turkey gravy, but you can also just go with their classic, or gluten free versions in their Turkey, Brown, Pork or Chicken style gravies. I’m a total sucker for the stuff in its simple, unadulterated glory, but feel free to add in any extra meat drippings or a little extra sage or rosemary to jazz it up.
What’s your favourite dip or sauce for Cocktail Meatballs? Have you tried these Healthy Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs with Easy Gravy yet? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts!
Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs with Velvety Low Sodium Gravy
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 cup oats ground in the food processor
- 2 tbsp oats ground in the food processor
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- ½ cup mushrooms ground in the food processor
- ¼ cup onion finely minced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely minced
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Gravy:
- 1 package Club House 25% Less Salt Gravy Mix
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground oats and the almond milk and mix until the milk has been absorbed. Add in the turkey, ground mushrooms, onion, cranberries, sage, rosemary, salt and pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked to 165 F.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the water and Club House 25% Less Salt Gravy Mix over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then simmer for 1 minute transfer to a gravy bowl.
- Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and the gravy for dipping, or drizzle the meatballs with the gravy with toothpicks on the side. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Updated on July 22nd, 2020
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Agness of Run Agness Run says
This is a truly awesome dish which my family will love, Abbey! Can I use coconut milk instead of an almond one?
Abbey Sharp says
Yeah! That should work just fine
cassandra says
I usually make chicken meatballs with CARAMELIZED onions, but this recipe sounds Amazing!!!! I’m not big on gravy, but i can see these meatballs becoming a regular in our house.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Such a smart way to use leftovers!! My dad would love these.
jill conyers says
The flavor combination sounds wonderful.
chrissy says
Awesome! Cocktail Meatballs! saved this to my recipe library. a good one not just for the holidays but game day too! thanks!
carmy says
This looks absolutely delicious! I want to try this this holiday!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i could see this becoming a party favorite!
Laurelle says
The fIrst two inGredIents are both oats. Is thEre a typo? This appEars to be in all capital leTters for some reason, i swear i’m nOt yelling…
Abbey Sharp says
all good. and no typo- its 1 cup + 2 tbsp oats.. this recipe plugin wont let those be on the same line for some reason.
LauRelle says
Thanks!
Sarah says
Very festive and great for a holiday gathering!
Abbey Sharp says
thanks!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Great holiday party idea! Very festive
Abbey Sharp says
yes soooo good
glenneth says
i love meatballs and these sound delicious. we make turkey everything else but never thought to make meatballs. thanks for the recipe1
Abbey Sharp says
exactly! why not!
Chrissa- PHysical kitchness says
PINNING! don’t judge me but ikea meatballs are my weakness. I love them SO much. These look like a much healthier alternative though!
Abbey Sharp says
yes, exactly! i love them too lol