Apple Sage Turkey Meatballs

$To make these tasty meatballs, you need a few key items: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 small apple, grated (Granny Smith works best) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (go for whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Olive oil (for cooking) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients make the meatballs juicy and full of flavor. The apple adds a sweet twist, while the sage brings a warm, herbal note. Want to boost the taste? Here are some fun extras: - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky touch - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick - 1/4 cup finely chopped onions for more depth - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch These optional ingredients can make your dish even more exciting. Each one adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the turkey and apple. To serve with your meatballs, consider these delicious sides: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts - A fresh salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for comfort - A dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue These pairings enhance your meal and create a balanced plate. Enjoy your Apple Sage Turkey Meatballs with these simple, tasty sides! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy meatballs. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix together the ground turkey and grated apple. The apple adds a nice sweetness. Then, add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. The egg helps bind everything together. Now, sprinkle in the fresh sage, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Use your hands or a spatula to combine the ingredients. Make sure not to overmix. Just mix enough until everything is well combined. Now it's time to form the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You should get about 20 meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each meatball. This space allows hot air to circulate and helps them cook evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the meatballs. This will help them get a nice golden color while baking. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once they are cooked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. For a final touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds flavor and makes the dish look great. To keep your meatballs moist, use fresh ground turkey. When mixing, avoid overworking the meat. Adding grated apple brings moisture and flavor. The egg also helps bind and keep them juicy. Drizzle a little olive oil on top before baking for extra moisture. If you prefer not to use turkey, ground chicken is a great option. For a vegetarian choice, try using lentils or chickpeas. Both options work well with the same seasonings. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like sage. Mixing in spices like garlic and onion powder brings depth. Grated cheese, like Parmesan, adds richness. For a kick, add red pepper flakes. Always taste your mixture before forming meatballs to get the right balance. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor, opt for a tart apple like Granny Smith. It balances the richness of the turkey beautifully. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated to keep the meatballs tender. Perfect Meatball Size: Aim for meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and a pleasant bite size. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape and enhances the flavors. {{image_2}} If you want a low-carb option, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour. Almond flour offers a nice texture and cuts carbs. You can also use crushed pork rinds. They add crunch and flavor without the carbs. Feel free to experiment with herbs. Try thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. You can also add a pinch of cumin for warmth. Each herb brings a unique taste to your meatballs. Just remember, start small and taste as you go. You can make larger meatballs for a hearty meal. Just increase the baking time to ensure they cook through. Smaller meatballs work great for appetizers or in soups. Serve them with your favorite sauce or over pasta. They also shine on a wooden board, garnished with parsley and sage. You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze meatballs, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together. Frozen meatballs last for about three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, take the meatballs out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. Enjoy your delicious meatballs! Yes, you can. Ground chicken or pork works well too. These meats have a nice flavor and texture. If you try beef, it will taste different but can still be tasty. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. Always check the temperature to be safe. These meatballs pair well with many sides. You might try roasted vegetables for a healthy option. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve them with pasta or rice. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich with cheese and sauce. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The meatballs should also be golden brown on the outside. If they look dry or crumbly, they may be overcooked. Let them rest a bit after baking for better flavor. In this post, we explored how to make tasty apple sage turkey meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to keep them moist. I shared variations for those who want to try new flavors. Storing and reheating leftover meatballs is easy too. In short, these meatballs are not just simple, but also packed with flavor. Try them out and enjoy a new family favorite!$

Apple Sage Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs infused with apple and sage, perfect for a healthy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 small apple, grated (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)
0.25 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste none olive oil (for cooking)
to taste none fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped sage, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well combined, but do not overmix.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.

Keyword apple, meatballs, sage, turkey