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Blackberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs for Easy Weeknight Suppers

, by Kiss the Cook, 4 min reading time

Make blackberry glazed turkey meatballs with Kiss the Cook Seedless Blackberry Preserves for an easy weeknight supper or casual appetizer spread.

Some recipes earn their place because they look a little special while still being realistic on a busy evening. These blackberry glazed turkey meatballs fit that category perfectly. They start with a simple turkey mixture, bake neatly on a sheet pan, and finish with a glossy skillet glaze that gets a welcome shortcut from Kiss the Cook Seedless Blackberry Preserves.

The preserves bring deep berry flavor without extra chopping or straining, and because they are seedless, the glaze stays smooth and spoonable. A little Dijon mustard, garlic, and apple cider vinegar keep the sauce from leaning too sweet, so the finished dish feels balanced enough for supper but easy enough for casual hosting too.

This is also the kind of recipe that makes good use of a few small tools. A Norpro Grip-EZ Mini Whisk helps you blend the glaze smoothly in a small saucepan, and the Just a Pinch Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set is handy for the mustard, garlic powder, and vinegar. When it is time to turn or serve the meatballs, the 8" Natural Pakka Mini Slotted Spatula keeps things tidy.

Why This Recipe Works

Ground turkey is easy to keep on hand, but it needs a little help to stay tender and flavorful. Finely minced onion, breadcrumbs, and an egg give these meatballs structure without making them heavy. Baking them first means less splatter than stovetop browning, and finishing them briefly in the sauce lets the glaze cling to every bite.

The blackberry glaze has a sweet-savory profile that feels a little different from standard barbecue sauce, but it is still family-friendly and easy to serve. Spoon the meatballs over rice, tuck them into slider buns, or put them out with toothpicks for a low-stress appetizer supper. If you are feeding a small household, leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.

Serving Ideas

For a simple meal, pair the meatballs with steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted green beans. If you are using them for casual entertaining, set them in a warm bowl with a little extra glaze on the side and let guests help themselves. The sauce also works nicely brushed onto the meatballs just before serving if you want a shinier finish.

Because the glaze comes together quickly, this recipe is manageable even on a weeknight. Mix the meatballs in the afternoon, refrigerate them on a parchment-lined tray, and bake them when you are ready. The sauce takes about five minutes, so supper still comes together without much last-minute work.

Recipe Card: Blackberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 22 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings, about 20 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/3 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup Kiss the Cook Seedless Blackberry Preserves
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan or shallow baking pan with parchment for easier cleanup.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley if using, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently just until combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 20 meatballs, roughly 1 1/2 inches wide, and place them on the prepared pan with a little space between each one.
  4. Brush or drizzle the meatballs lightly with the olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F.
  5. While the meatballs bake, combine the blackberry preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes if using in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium-low heat until smooth and lightly bubbling, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Transfer the baked meatballs carefully to the saucepan or a skillet with the glaze and toss gently for 1 to 2 minutes, until coated and glossy.
  7. Serve warm with extra parsley if you like.

Notes

  • If your ground turkey is very lean, avoid overmixing so the meatballs stay tender.
  • The glaze should lightly coat a spoon. If it gets too thick, whisk in an extra teaspoon or two of water.
  • For appetizer service, make the meatballs slightly smaller and begin checking doneness a few minutes earlier.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until the meatballs are hot throughout.

Food Safety and Doneness

Ground turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees F in the center. If the meatballs were made ahead and chilled, keep them refrigerated until baking. Discard any sauce that has held the cooked meatballs at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is above 90 degrees F.

Shop This Recipe

A pantry jar that pulls double duty is always worth keeping nearby. When it helps you build a supper that feels thoughtful without becoming complicated, it earns its shelf space pretty quickly.

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