Description
These Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory turkey, sweet grated apple, and aromatic fresh sage. Perfectly seared and baked, they offer a juicy and flavorful meal option that pairs well with a variety of sides or sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small apple, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, to develop flavor and texture.
- Bake Meatballs: Transfer the browned meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Using a small apple adds natural moisture and sweetness that balances the savory turkey and sage.
- Ensure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Searing the meatballs before baking helps lock in juices and develop a nice crust.
- These meatballs pair well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatballs, apple meatballs, sage meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, ground turkey recipe, easy dinner
