Nothing says holiday cheer like a platter of glistening Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers at your festive gathering. I first made these juicy, ruby-coated bites years ago when I needed a showstopper appetizer that wouldn’t keep me chained to the kitchen all day. The moment my guests bit into those tender turkey meatballs draped in tangy pomegranate glaze, I knew this recipe was a keeper. What I love most is how effortlessly elegant they look; those deep red skewers practically shout “celebration” without any fussy techniques. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in under an hour. Trust me, these will disappear faster than Santa’s cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
These little ruby beauties are my go-to holiday appetizer for so many reasons, let me count the ways:
- Instant holiday magic: That glossy pomegranate glaze makes them look like edible Christmas ornaments (but way tastier!)
- So easy you’ll grin like Santa: Just mix, roll, bake, and glaze, no fancy skills needed
- Juicy turkey that stays moist: The breadcrumb and egg combo keeps them tender, never dry
- Sweet-tangy perfection: That pomegranate-honey glaze? It’s like Christmas in every bite
- Party-ready in minutes: Skewers make them perfect finger food for your holiday buffet
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times guests have asked for this recipe, it’s that good!
Ingredients for Christmas Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts, and I promise you won’t need anything weird or hard to find. I’ve made these so many times that I’ve learned what really makes them sing. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for those perfect, juicy meatballs and that gorgeous glaze:
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey: I prefer 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Plain or panko both work great here
- 1 large egg: This is our binder that holds everything together
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Trust me, powder works better than fresh here, no burning!
- 1 tsp onion powder: Same deal as the garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt: I use kosher salt for even distribution
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground if you have it
For the Pomegranate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice: Fresh is amazing, but bottled works perfectly too
- 2 tbsp honey: This adds the perfect holiday sweetness
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness beautifully
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Our magic thickener, mix it with a tablespoon of cold water first
See? Nothing crazy! If you need to make substitutions, you can use ground chicken instead of turkey, and maple syrup works instead of honey in a pinch. But honestly, this combination is what makes these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers so special!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers! Just grab these basics:
- A good mixing bowl: For combining all those flavorful meatball ingredients
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment for easy cleanup
- Small saucepan: For simmering that gorgeous glaze
- Wooden skewers: Soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning
- Pastry brush: For slathering on that ruby red glaze
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Christmas Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
Alright, let’s get these festive beauties rolling! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve got all the little tricks to ensure your Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers turn out perfect every time. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a platter of ruby-red deliciousness that’ll make your holiday guests swoon.
Preparing the Turkey Meatballs
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (that’s about 190°C for my metric friends). While that’s heating up, let’s make the meatball mixture. Grab your mixing bowl and toss in the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my secret: use your hands to mix it! A spoon just doesn’t get everything incorporated as well. Mix until just combined, don’t overwork it, or your meatballs might get tough.
Next, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Pro tip: keep a little bowl of water nearby to wet your hands occasionally. This prevents sticking and gives you smoother meatballs. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart. Easy peasy!
Baking the Meatballs
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (use a meat thermometer, it’s a game changer!). The smell in your kitchen right now? Pure holiday magic. Once they’re done, let them rest for a couple of minutes while you make the glaze.
Making the Pomegranate Glaze
This is where the Christmas magic really happens! In your small saucepan, whisk together the pomegranate juice, honey, and soy sauce. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth (this prevents lumps!). Now, bring your juice mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
Here’s where you need to watch carefully, the glaze thickens FAST once it starts bubbling. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, just add a teaspoon of water at a time. Remove from heat immediately once thickened, burnt glaze is nobody’s holiday gift!
Assembling the Skewers
Time for the fun part! Thread 3-4 meatballs onto each soaked wooden skewer, leaving a little space between them. Now grab your pastry brush and glaze those babies generously. I like to do two coats, one right after threading, then another right before serving for maximum shine. The glaze will set slightly as it cools, creating that gorgeous glossy finish. Arrange them on a festive platter, maybe with some fresh pomegranate seeds sprinkled around, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
After making these holiday skewers more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfection every time:
- Soak those skewers: Seriously, don’t skip soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes; it prevents them from burning and keeps your presentation flawless
- Double the glaze: I always make extra because guests go wild for that sticky-sweet pomegranate coating, just simmer a second batch while the meatballs bake
- Fresh juice matters: While bottled works, fresh pomegranate juice gives the glaze an incredible depth of flavor that’s worth the extra effort
- Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for meatballs that cook evenly and look picture-perfect on the skewers
- Glaze timing: Apply the final glaze coat right before serving for maximum shine and freshness
Follow these simple tips, and your Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers will be the talk of every holiday party!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities with these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers! My favorite way to serve them is on a big platter with little bowls of cool Greek yogurt dip and a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds for that extra festive pop. They’re also amazing with a simple arugula salad (the peppery greens balance that sweet glaze perfectly) or nestled next to some roasted sweet potato wedges. For cocktail parties, I’ll sometimes arrange them upright in a pretty glass filled with cranberries, an instant holiday centerpiece that disappears fast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the great news about these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers: they keep beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The glaze will get nice and glossy all over again. I sometimes make extra batches ahead of time because they reheat so perfectly, holiday hosting lifesaver!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know we’re all about enjoying the holidays, but if you’re curious about what’s in these delicious Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers, here’s the scoop! Remember, these values are estimates; your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients.
Per skewer (that’s about 2 meatballs):
- 120 calories: Just enough to enjoy guilt-free!
- 4g fat: Mostly from that juicy turkey
- 12g protein: These little guys pack a nice protein punch
- 6g sugar: From that gorgeous pomegranate-honey glaze
- 300mg sodium: The soy sauce adds flavor, but watch portions if you’re sodium-sensitive
Honestly, for how indulgent they taste, these skewers are pretty light, which means more room for Christmas cookies later, right? The turkey keeps them lean while still satisfying, and that glaze? Well, that’s just holiday magic you don’t need to feel bad about!
FAQs About Christmas Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these holiday favorites! Here are the answers to everything you might wonder about these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers:
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully here and gives a slightly milder flavor. Just make sure to use chicken with a similar fat content (about 93% lean) to keep your meatballs juicy. The glaze pairs just as wonderfully with chicken!
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Two key tips: First, keep the heat at medium when simmering, no rushing this! Second, stir constantly once the cornstarch goes in. If you see bubbles getting too vigorous, pull the pan off the heat for a moment. Burnt glaze tastes bitter, and we want that perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! The meatballs bake up great a day in advance, just store them unglazed in the fridge. Make the glaze fresh when ready to serve, though, for that gorgeous glossy finish. Assemble the skewers right before your guests arrive for maximum wow factor.
What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?
No worries, glaze troubles are easy fixes! Too thick? Whisk in warm water a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Mix another 1/2 tsp cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in while simmering. You’ll get that perfect coating consistency.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of these Christmas pomegranate-glazed turkey meatball skewers! Did your family go crazy for them? Did you add your own special twist? Snap a pic of your festive platter and tag me, I love celebrating your kitchen wins almost as much as I love eating these skewers myself! Leave a star rating too if you tried the recipe, because honest feedback helps other home cooks know what to expect. Who knows, your creation might just inspire someone else’s holiday spread this year. Now go forth and spread that pomegranate-glazed joy!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
Print
24 Juicy Christmas Pomegranate Glazed Turkey Meatball Skewers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze, threaded onto skewers for a festive Christmas appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Heat pomegranate juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
- Thread meatballs onto skewers and brush with glaze.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh pomegranate juice for the best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Double the glaze for extra saucy meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (2 meatballs)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg