Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

$For this recipe, I use 1 pound of ground turkey. Ground turkey is lean, healthy, and easy to work with. It absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice for tasty meatballs. You can find it at any grocery store. Look for fresh ground turkey to get the best taste and texture. The binding ingredients help hold the meatballs together. I use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, preferably whole wheat. These give the meatballs structure and a bit of crunch. I also add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a nice salty flavor. A large egg helps bind everything. It keeps the meatballs moist and fluffy. Seasonings and sauces bring the flavor to these meatballs. I include 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce for that signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to your liking. I add 1 teaspoon of onion powder and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lastly, I mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. They add freshness and a pop of color. Together, these ingredients create a delicious balance in each bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the meatballs cook fast and brown nicely. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy. You want enough space on the sheet for each meatball so they can bake evenly. Now, let’s mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well, but don’t overdo it. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. Just blend until everything is combined. Now for the fun part—shaping the meatballs! Take a scoop of the mixture and form it into a ball about 1.5 inches wide. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. This lets the heat reach all sides. To help them brown, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the meatballs or spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are cooked through and have a nice brown color. For an extra kick, toss the meatballs in more buffalo sauce just before serving. Enjoy these tasty bites warm with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce! To make tender meatballs, mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Use your hands to combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients. This keeps them soft and juicy. Bake them at the right temperature of 400°F for 20-25 minutes. You want them cooked through but not dry. You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat. Try different cheeses like feta or cheddar for a twist. You can also mix in herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. Don’t forget spices! A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice kick. Serve your meatballs warm with celery sticks. They pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also place them in a sub for a tasty sandwich. For a fun twist, serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. Enjoy these meatballs with friends or family for a crowd-pleaser! Pro Tips Avoid Overmixing: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender texture. Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs healthy without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance for a personalized kick. Perfectly Bake: Ensure even cooking by spacing the meatballs apart on the baking sheet. {{image_2}} If you love heat, try adding more buffalo sauce to your meatball mix. A simple way is to use 1/2 cup instead of 1/4 cup. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. These spicy turkey meatballs will bring a bold flavor to your meal. Serve them with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. Want to make these meatballs even healthier? Use lean ground turkey or swap in ground chicken. You can replace breadcrumbs with oats or crushed whole grain cereal. This change adds fiber while keeping the meatballs tasty. For a lower calorie option, you can use Greek yogurt in place of the egg. This keeps the meatballs moist and adds protein. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these meatballs. Try ground turkey substitutes like lean beef or ground lamb. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or black beans. Just mash them up and mix with the other ingredients. You’ll create a delicious meatball that fits your diet. Don’t forget to adjust the baking time for different meats. You can store leftover Buffalo turkey meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing them. This helps keep the meatballs juicy and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the meatballs. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy them later! To reheat, you have a few options. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat them on a plate for 1-2 minutes. If you want to keep them crispy, use the oven. Enjoy your flavorful meatballs! Yes, you can use ground chicken. It works well as a substitute for turkey. The flavor is similar, and the meatballs will still be tasty. Just ensure the cooking time stays the same. You want them to be fully cooked and juicy. To make these meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer great options made from rice or oats. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap keeps the meatballs soft and tasty without gluten. Buffalo turkey meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Celery sticks - Carrot sticks - Ranch dressing - Blue cheese dressing - A fresh salad These sides help balance the heat and enhance the meal. You can also enjoy them as a snack or appetizer! This blog post covered how to make tasty ground turkey meatballs. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step methods, and tips for perfect meatballs. You can try spicy buffalo variations or explore healthier options. Remember to store your meatballs right for future meals. Feel confident in your cooking skills. Enjoy delicious meals by customizing flavors and serving with your favorite sides. Now, get cooking and savor the results!$

Spicy and flavorful turkey meatballs coated in buffalo sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
0.25 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, buffalo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
With your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs or lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them brown.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
For extra flavor, toss the baked meatballs in additional buffalo sauce right before serving.
Serve warm with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Keyword appetizer, buffalo, meatballs, turkey