Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs – Cozy, Sweet & Savory

🍏 Introduction

Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs are the ultimate cozy dish for fall or holiday gatherings. Juicy meatballs coated in a sweet-tangy apple cider glaze make every bite irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs bring both comfort and flavor to the table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Box grater for apple
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Tongs

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Mix Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake 15–18 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Simmer: Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 2–3 more minutes until syrupy.
4. Coat Meatballs: Add baked meatballs to the glaze and gently toss to coat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme. Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad. For parties, serve on toothpicks for easy appetizers.

Additional Tips

• Swap turkey with ground chicken, pork, or beef.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.
• Meatballs and glaze can be prepped a day ahead — store separately, combine when serving.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, add them to the glaze and simmer until heated through.

How to store leftovers? Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze meatballs? Freeze cooked meatballs individually, then transfer to freezer bag. Reheat in glaze before serving.

Wrap-Up

Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs are perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday celebrations. Sweet, savory, and full of flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests and delight your family.