Maple Apple Turkey Meatballs (Printable)

Tender turkey spheres combined with grated apple and maple syrup, baked to juicy perfection.

# Components:

→ Meat and Binding

01 - 1 pound ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

→ Fruits & Vegetables

04 - 1 medium apple, peeled and finely grated
05 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Liquids & Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Baking & Serving

11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing or drizzling)
12 - Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
13 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, grated apple, green onions, garlic, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper without overmixing.
03 - With damp hands, shape the mixture into 16 to 18 meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Lightly brush or drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to ensure even browning.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Allow the meatballs to rest for 2 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with extra maple syrup and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • If you drizzle on a little extra maple syrup just before serving, it feels delightfully decadent with no fuss at all.
  • I keep making these because they’re quick to mix up and the leftovers never survive the next day.
02 -
  • The first time I overmixed the ground turkey and ended up with dense, tough meatballs—gentle hands keep them tender.
  • Grating the apple too coarsely leaves chewy bits—super fine shreds almost disappear, leaving only sweet moisture in every bite.
03 -
  • Chill the meatball mixture briefly before shaping so it’s easier to handle, especially if your kitchen is warm.
  • A little fresh parsley brightens up every bite—don’t skip it if you can help it.
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