Deliciously Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs: A Fall Favorite

Warm spices, tender turkey, and the natural sweetness of apple cider combine in these Deliciously Healthy Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs, making them perfect for fall feasts. Whether served as an appetizer at Thanksgiving, part of a cozy weeknight dinner, or a protein-packed meal prep option, these meatballs are both healthy and flavorful.

Unlike heavier meatball recipes, this version uses lean ground turkey and a light apple cider glaze to keep calories moderate without sacrificing taste. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat optional)
• 1/4 cup finely grated onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
3. Form Meatballs:
   Using a small scoop or spoon, form 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs:
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare Apple Cider Glaze:
   While meatballs bake, pour apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and honey into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glaze thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Add cinnamon if desired.
6. Glaze Meatballs:
   Once meatballs are cooked, toss them gently in the warm apple cider glaze until fully coated.
7. Serve:
   Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete fall meal.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking turkey will make meatballs dense. Mix gently for tender results.
• Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop for consistent meatballs to ensure even baking.
• Make Ahead: Meatballs can be baked and stored in the fridge for 2 days; glaze before serving.
• Extra Moisture: Adding a bit of grated onion or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt can keep turkey extra juicy.

Variations

• Spicy Apple Cider Meatballs: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or chili flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle kick.
• Cheesy Turkey Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella in the center before baking for a gooey surprise.
• Slow Cooker Option: Brown meatballs first, then simmer in apple cider glaze in a slow cooker on low for 1–2 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks at fall parties or Thanksgiving dinners.
• Main Dish: Pair with roasted root vegetables or a quinoa pilaf.
• Meal Prep: Store glazed meatballs in airtight containers for 3–4 days for easy lunches.

Fun Facts About Apple Cider in Recipes

• Apple cider has been used in cooking for centuries to naturally sweeten dishes and tenderize meats.
• Combining sweet apple cider with savory proteins like turkey creates a balanced flavor profile ideal for autumn recipes.
• The reduction method for glaze enhances the cider’s natural sweetness while keeping it low in added sugar.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs pre-glaze for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in glaze before serving.

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Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs

Tender and flavorful turkey meatballs glazed with a sweet apple cider sauce, perfect for fall dinners and holiday appetizers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Turkey Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs whole wheat optional
• 1/4 cup onion finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• pinch cinnamon optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked and golden. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. While meatballs bake, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until glaze thickens, 3–4 minutes. Add cinnamon if desired.
7. Toss baked meatballs in the warm glaze until coated.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley.

Notes

Do not overmix turkey for tender meatballs. Meatballs can be made ahead and glazed before serving.