Saved Quick Popular
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks Meals Drinks Vegan Quick Popular
✕
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks Meals Drinks Vegan Quick Popular
  1. Home
  2. Fried Dish
Turkey Meatballs Perfect for Cocktails

Turkey Meatballs Perfect for Cocktails

turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic party favorite. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for serving at your next cocktail gathering or casual get-together.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 40 min
Total Time 1 hr
Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/21

Why This Dish Is Amazing

These meatballs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great bite-sized treat. They cook quickly and are easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Perfect for gatherings, they always disappear fast!

Chef's Cooking Tips

- Use a mix of ground turkey and a little bit of pork for extra moisture.
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Brown the meatballs in a hot pan before baking to add extra flavor and texture.

Step 1

Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. In a big bowl, combine the bread crumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of minced onion, chopped water chestnuts, 1/4 cup applesauce, Parmesan, a tablespoon of parsley, salt, mustard powder, and poultry seasoning. Add the ground turkey and gently mix everything until just combined—you don’t want to overwork the meat.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches wide and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. You can check by sticking an instant-read thermometer in the center; it should register at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 3

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the apple jelly, 1 cup of applesauce, cider vinegar, 1/2 cup minced onion, ketchup, chili sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then so the flavors meld nicely.

Step 4

Once the meatballs are out of the oven, carefully transfer them into the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and let everything cook together for another 10 minutes so the meatballs soak up all that tasty sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining parsley over the top before serving.

Best Ways To Serve

Serve warm with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy marinara, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli. They pair well with fresh veggie sticks or a crisp green salad for a balanced appetizer spread.

How To Store Leftovers

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
378
people cooked this recipe
AP
By Arjun Patel
Recipe Contributor
Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

180 Calories
Fat
7 g
Carbs
12 g
Protein
15 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
8 g
Sodium
350 mg
Serving Size: 3 meatballs
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (1)

5 out of 5
★★★★★
1 Ratings
5 star
1
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Rate This Recipe

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

User Reviews

Amir
★★★★★
Dec 04, 2025
Quick to make, and the turkey stayed juicy. My wife loved them, said they’d be great for weekend lunches too.
Cinnamon-Infused Apple Beignets with Caramel
🔥 Quick Pick
Cinnamon-Infused Apple Beignets with Caramel


Also try

Easy Ground Chicken and Chickpea Burger Recipe
Burger
★★★★☆ (120)
1 hr 10 min
Easy Ground Chicken and Chickpea Burger Recipe
This simple and flavorful burger combines ground chicken with hearty chickpeas for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknigh...
Fiery Quinoa Dish with Vegetables and White Beans
Rice Dish
★★★★☆ (70)
50 min
Fiery Quinoa Dish with Vegetables and White Beans
Mexican Flag-Inspired Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Casserole
★★★☆☆ (170)
2 hr 5 min
Mexican Flag-Inspired Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Cake with Apples and Cassava Flour
Cake
★★★☆☆ (320)
1 hr
Cake with Apples and Cassava Flour
Sweet Caramel Cookie Treats on a Stick
Cookies
★★★☆☆ (120)
30 min
Sweet Caramel Cookie Treats on a Stick
Farro Porridge with Coconut Flavor
Rice Dish
★★★★☆ (299)
30 min
Farro Porridge with Coconut Flavor
Brazilian Spiced Salmon Made Easy
Grilled Dish
★★★☆☆ (199)
20 min
Brazilian Spiced Salmon Made Easy
Savory Shredded Pork Delight
BBQ
★★★★★ (49)
8 hr 50 min
Savory Shredded Pork Delight
Memorial Day Bean Dish
Baked Dish
★★★★★ (249)
55 min
Memorial Day Bean Dish
Cozy Caramel Apple Cider
Beverage
★★★★☆ (99)
20 min
Cozy Caramel Apple Cider
Chef John
BBQ
★★★☆☆ (349)
50 min
Chef John's Holiday Mini Hams
Pumpkin Pie for Everyone: Wheat, Egg, and Dairy-Free
Pie
★★★☆☆ (249)
1 hr 35 min
Pumpkin Pie for Everyone: Wheat, Egg, and Dairy-Free
Bean Burgers with Taco Flavor
Burger
★★★★★ (99)
35 min
Bean Burgers with Taco Flavor
Easy One-Pan Taco Skillet by CAMPBELL
Rice Dish
★★★☆☆ (99)
23 min
Easy One-Pan Taco Skillet by CAMPBELL'S®
Chicken Stir-Fry with Thai Flavors
Stir Fry
★★★★☆ (128)
1 hr 9 min
Chicken Stir-Fry with Thai Flavors

🍳 Let’s Cook Something Delicious

Get fresh recipes straight to your inbox every week

Fortummy

Easy recipes, rich flavors, and daily kitchen inspiration. Meals anyone can cook with confidence.

Explore

Home Recipes Quick Meals Popular

Categories

Dinner Desserts Breakfast Snacks

Legal

Terms Privacy
© 2026 Fortummy. All rights reserved. Crafted for food lovers.