Description
Savory and flavorful turkey balls, seasoned with classic herbs and spices, perfect as an appetizer or main course. Serve with cranberry sauce and gravy for a festive touch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing (optional)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, for serving
- 1 cup gravy, for serving (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, diced celery, diced onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, chicken broth, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the turkey mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour or longer).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the turkey mixture from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time.
- Gently roll the mixture between your palms to form a ball (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Place the formed turkey balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Repeat steps 7-9 until all of the turkey mixture has been used.
- Brush the turkey balls with melted butter, if desired.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey balls are cooked through and golden brown (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Halfway through the baking time, gently flip the turkey balls to ensure even browning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the turkey balls cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping.
Notes
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the flavor.
- Add vegetables: Finely diced carrots or mushrooms can be added to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make them gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Form the balls and bake them just before serving.
- Freezing Instructions: After baking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen turkey balls to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stuffing Variation: For a true “stuffing ball” experience, incorporate cooked stuffing into the mixture. Reduce the breadcrumbs by half and add 1/2 cup of your favorite cooked stuffing. This adds extra flavor and texture!
- Turkey balls are too dry: Add a little more chicken broth to the turkey mixture.
- Turkey balls are falling apart: Add a little more bread crumbs to the turkey mixture. Make sure you’re not overmixing.
- Turkey balls are not browning: Brush them with melted butter before baking. You can also broil them for a minute or two at the end of the baking time, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes