These honey garlic baked turkey meatballs are a tasty treat! They’re juicy, sweet, and a little sticky, thanks to the perfect honey-garlic sauce. Everyone will love them!
Making these meatballs is simple and fun. I usually serve them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. They’re a hit, and I end up making extra for leftovers! 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein. If you prefer, you can swap it with ground chicken or even ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using cooked lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Breadcrumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs, but you can use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten. Crushed crackers work too!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice depth. If you’re out of Parmesan, you could use Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan dish.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. However, you could use dried parsley or even swap it for basil or cilantro depending on your taste preference.
Honey: For a twist on sweetness, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used instead of honey. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try a sugar substitute that can be heated.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking meatballs can be tricky, but some simple tips can help you get them just right. First, be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture when combining ingredients. Overmixing can make them tough.
- When forming meatballs, aim for a uniform size (about 1-1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
- Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes will help achieve a nice golden-brown color. Using parchment paper prevents sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Make Honey Garlic Baked Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For The Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. So, in under an hour, you can enjoy mouthwatering turkey meatballs in a sweet and savory sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will help prevent the meatballs from sticking. Easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be gentle to keep the meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to form the meatballs! Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. They don’t need to be perfect—just make sure they all have a similar size for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when they are cooked through and golden brown. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, let’s whip up the honey garlic sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). Whisk until everything is smoothly blended, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly; this will make the sauce extra yummy.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, carefully coat them in the warm honey garlic sauce. Make sure they’re all covered for that sweet and savory flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the meatballs over a bed of delicious cooked rice. Drizzle any remaining honey garlic sauce on top and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your homemade honey garlic turkey meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work similarly in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if necessary, as ground chicken can sometimes be slightly more moist.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, consider using crushed crackers, oats, or even ground almonds as a gluten-free option. Just use about the same amount, but you might need to adjust the moisture if using oats or almonds.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to use it, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.
