Apple & Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Apple & Sage Turkey Meatballs offer a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on the classic turkey meatball. The addition of grated apple provides natural sweetness and moisture, while fresh sage brings an earthy aroma that perfectly complements the lean turkey. Quick to prepare and cook, these meatballs make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or a main course when paired with your favorite sides.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean and flavorful base)
- 1 apple (peeled, cored, and grated; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs are great)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh sage, and minced garlic.
- Season: Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
- Mix Carefully: Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch sized meatballs, ensuring they are evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for searing the meatballs.
- Sear and Cook: Add the meatballs carefully to the hot skillet, working in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Notes
- Using a tart apple like Granny Smith balances the meat’s flavor with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture as it can result in tough meatballs.
- For extra crispiness, finish cooking the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 minutes after searing, if desired.
- Serve with a simple tomato sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, apple turkey meatballs, sage meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, lean turkey recipe