Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with fresh apples, fragrant sage, and warm spices. The apples add a touch of natural sweetness and keep the meatballs moist, while sage provides an earthy, savory note that makes this recipe especially perfect for fall and holiday meals.
These turkey meatballs can be served as a cozy dinner with mashed potatoes or rice, as a holiday appetizer with cranberry dipping sauce, or even as part of a meal prep plan for the week. They’re light, healthy, and versatile, yet hearty enough to please both kids and adults at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking, if pan-frying)
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Apple
- Peel and grate the apple. Pat lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the meatballs from becoming too wet.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, egg, sage, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3: Form Meatballs
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 18–20 meatballs).
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meatballs are done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm with sides, pasta, or dipping sauce.
Variations
- Cranberry Glaze: Toss cooked meatballs in a cranberry glaze for a festive appetizer.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or gouda to the mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon and cloves for more autumn warmth.
Cooking Notes
- Grated apple keeps the turkey moist and adds subtle sweetness.
- Fresh sage gives the best flavor, but dried can be substituted.
- Meatballs can be baked for a lighter version or pan-fried for crispiness.
- Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a cozy fall dinner.
- Pair with cranberry sauce or gravy for a holiday appetizer.
- Add to pasta with a light cream or tomato sauce.
- Pack leftovers for a protein-rich lunch.
Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Chill mixture for 15 minutes before rolling if it feels too soft.
- For meal prep, bake a double batch and freeze half.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 420mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes, ground chicken works well with apple and sage.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q3: What type of apple works best?
- Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp work well.
Q4: Can I freeze apple and sage turkey meatballs?
- Yes, freeze raw or cooked meatballs in an airtight container up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
- The grated apple helps, but don’t overbake—remove once internal temp hits 165°F.
Conclusion
Apple and sage turkey meatballs are a flavorful, healthy, and versatile recipe that brings a seasonal twist to traditional meatballs. With juicy turkey, sweet apples, and earthy sage, they’re perfect for fall dinners, holiday spreads, or weekly meal prep. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and full of comforting flavors, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.