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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 medium Granny Smith apple, finely grated - 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped These main ingredients create a unique flavor in the meatballs. Ground turkey gives a lean protein base. The Granny Smith apple adds a sweet and tart twist. Fresh sage brings a lovely herbal note. Together, they make a tasty and healthy dish. - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper These ingredients hold the meatballs together while adding flavor. Whole wheat breadcrumbs absorb moisture, making the meatballs tender. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. The egg binds everything, while garlic and onion powder enhance the taste. Salt and black pepper season the mix perfectly. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) - Suggested side dishes: cranberry sauce, light salad Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds color. Serving the meatballs with cranberry sauce or a light salad complements the flavors well. These garnishes and sides elevate the meal, making it even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing ingredients In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 grated Granny Smith apple, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage. Add 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 lightly beaten egg. Sprinkle in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well. Be gentle; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. - Forming the meatballs After mixing, take a small amount of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch wide. You should make around 20 meatballs. Place them on a plate as you go. - Searing the meatballs in a skillet Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan; this helps them brown nicely. Sear the meatballs for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning them to get a golden color all around. - Checking for doneness and reheating tips To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F inside. Once cooked, move them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the skillet or microwave until warm. - Arranging meatballs for serving Place the warm meatballs on a serving platter. This makes a beautiful dish to share. - Garnishing suggestions For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. You can also serve them with a side of cranberry sauce or a light salad. If you need a different meat, try chicken or pork. They work well in this recipe. For breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. Both give a nice texture. For herbs, you can swap sage with thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a unique taste. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or cumin for extra flavor. Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Just mix until everything is combined. Cook the meatballs in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps them cook evenly. Turn the meatballs often for a nice brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. Add more seasoning if you like bold flavors. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. To keep meatballs moist, don’t skip the grated apple. It adds moisture and flavor. You can also add a little milk to the mix if it seems dry. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the flavor of the turkey. You can experiment with other varieties for a sweeter taste. Don't Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes dinner prep a breeze on busy nights! {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in your meatballs. Ground beef works well for a richer taste. Ground chicken is a lighter choice and keeps the dish healthy. If you want a meat-free option, try a plant-based ground meat. Each option brings a unique flavor to your dish. Adding spices can boost the taste of your meatballs. Try a teaspoon of cumin for warmth or paprika for a mild kick. You can also sneak in some grated vegetables. Carrots or zucchini add moisture and nutrition without changing the flavor much. Pair your meatballs with different sauces. A sweet and tangy cranberry sauce complements the apple flavor. You can also use a creamy dip or simple marinara. For sides, consider a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Enjoy your delightful creation! To store leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some meatballs for later, freezing is great. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need later. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave them on low power. Reheat them until they reach 165°F for safe eating. In the fridge, these meatballs last up to three days. If you freeze them, they can last for up to three months. Just remember, the longer they stay frozen, the more the flavor might fade. Enjoy your tasty meatballs while they’re fresh! You can try many tasty sides with these meatballs. Here are some great options: - Cranberry Sauce: This adds a sweet touch. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the meatballs well. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or green beans work nicely. - Fresh Salad: A light salad gives a crisp contrast. - Whole Wheat Pasta: Serve the meatballs over pasta for a hearty meal. Yes, you can easily make these meatballs gluten-free. Here’s how: - Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Swap out whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. - Check Seasonings: Some seasonings may contain gluten. Always read labels. Keeping meatballs moist is key for great flavor. Here are some tips: - Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs. - Add Grated Apple: The apple adds moisture and flavor. - Cook at Medium Heat: This helps meatballs cook evenly without drying out. - Check Internal Temperature: Make sure they reach 165°F for safety and juiciness. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for apple sage turkey meatballs and how to prepare them. We discussed cooking techniques and tips to ensure they turn out juicy and flavorful. You can try variations with different meats or spices, and we shared storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, you can customize these meatballs to fit your taste, making them a fun dish for everyone. Enjoy making this healthy meal that adds a twist to your dinner table.

Apple Sage Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs infused with the flavors of apple and sage, perfect for a healthy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely grated apple, chopped fresh sage, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Gently mix all the ingredients using your hands or a spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter; you should end up making around 20 meatballs.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Sear the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve a golden brown color on all sides. Ensure the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with cranberry sauce or a light salad for a delightful meal.
Keyword apple, healthy, meatballs, sage, turkey