If you’re craving a dish that balances cozy comfort with a touch of autumnal brightness, let me introduce you to the Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe—a delightfully juicy and fragrant meal that brings together the savory flavor of turkey, the sweet crispness of apple, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. This recipe is an absolute winner when you want something wholesome yet indulgent, perfect for any night of the week when you want to treat yourself without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for the Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect harmony of tastes and textures. From the tender ground turkey to the fresh sage, every component contributes to a mouthwatering experience full of flavor and aroma.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs tender and healthy.
- 1 apple, peeled and grated: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the meatballs juicy.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together while adding a bit of texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, umami punch for deeper flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped: Infuses each bite with a warm, earthy note that complements turkey beautifully.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape while baking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle kick and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for drizzling, this helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick layer makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your meatballs won’t stick, so they cook evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh sage, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until every ingredient is blended well—this forms the flavorful base of your meatballs, with the apple lending moisture and sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs using your hands, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place the meatballs spaced apart on the lined baking sheet so they have room to brown nicely without steaming.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the meatballs. This small step makes a big difference by promoting a beautiful, even browning and crisp outer layer that adds a satisfying texture contrast to the tender center.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Their internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re safe and juicy. Keep an eye on them near the end—they’re best served hot and fresh!
Step 6: Rest and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This brief pause helps lock in juices so that every bite is moist and flavorful. Then, serve them warm for a comforting treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
These turkey meatballs shine with simple garnishes like fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of honey mustard sauce to balance the herbaceous and sweet elements. A little fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that invites you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve these meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted autumn vegetables, or a vibrant kale salad. The mild flavors of turkey pair wonderfully with sides that bring complementary textures and colors while keeping the meal well balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering a few meatballs with some caramelized apple slices for a fun appetizer, or stuff them inside toasted ciabatta rolls with a slather of garlic aioli for a gourmet sandwich twist. The Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe also works beautifully atop spaghetti squash or nestled in a bowl of polenta for a heartwarming dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them an excellent candidate for quick lunches or last-minute dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you’re thinking ahead, these meatballs freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together so you can thaw as many as you need, up to 3 months in advance.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain their lovely texture and avoid drying out the turkey.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey works wonderfully for a lean and mild-flavored meatball, you can easily substitute ground chicken, pork, or even a blend for a richer taste.
Is it necessary to peel the apple before grating?
Peeling the apple gives a smoother texture to the meatballs, but if you enjoy a bit more fiber and rustic character, you can leave the peel on after washing the apple thoroughly.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture just right.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Otherwise, make sure the meatballs are golden brown and juices run clear when cut.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Definitely. You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then store them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe a try because it’s such a comforting, yet fresh take on a classic favorite. The blend of apple sweetness and herbal sage is magic with lean turkey, making this dish a winner for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Once you make them, I bet they’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
Print
Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with the sweet freshness of grated apple and aromatic sage, creating a moist and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy meal. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors with a tender texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly and prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground turkey, grated apple, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until all components are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor and texture.
- Shape meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to ensure proper cooking and browning.
- Add olive oil: Drizzle olive oil over the arranged meatballs, which will help them develop a flavorful golden crust during baking.
- Bake meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), indicating they are safely cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Carefully remove the meatballs from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes to settle the juices, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you prefer, substitute fresh sage with dried sage at a ratio of one-third the amount, but fresh provides better flavor.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- Grated apple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness enhancing the turkey’s flavor.
- These meatballs can be paired with pasta, salad, or enjoyed on their own as a protein-rich snack.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
