Go Back
+ servings
Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs

Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs for a Cozy Fall Dinner

Delightful Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs bring comfort food to your dinner table with wholesome ingredients and cozy spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey opt for 93% lean for juiciness
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider unsweetened apple juice can be substituted
  • 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired
  • 1 large Egg acts as a binding agent
  • 1 small Onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon adjust according to preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg adjust according to preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon Allspice adjust according to preference
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
For the Glaze
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup or honey/agave syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard or any mustard according to taste

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, apple cider, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  2. Mix the ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  3. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes.
  4. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  5. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate, and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
Cooking the Meatballs
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
  2. Place the chilled meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, searing for about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Turn occasionally to achieve a golden-brown crust.
  4. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Preparing the Glaze
  1. Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add apple cider, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Stir while bringing to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, turning them in the glaze.
  2. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent toughness. Chill formed meatballs before cooking for better shape retention.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!