Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist turkey meatloaf brushed with a sweet maple glaze, served alongside a tangy cranberry relish perfect for holiday dinners. This American-inspired holiday recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, then brush this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  3. Step 3: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized. Remove from oven and let rest.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve slices of the maple-glazed turkey meatloaf with a spoonful of warm cranberry relish on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Relish?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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