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Ground turkey is the main star of this dish. I use one pound of it. It is lean and healthy, making it a great choice for meatballs. Turkey has a mild flavor, which lets the buffalo sauce shine. To hold the meatballs together, I use several binders and flavorings: - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for tossing) - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp onion powder - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper The breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs from falling apart. The egg acts as a binder. The cheese adds a nice flavor and richness. Green onions and parsley bring freshness. Garlic and onion powder add depth, while salt and pepper enhance the taste. To serve with the meatballs, I recommend some amazing dips: - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing Both dressings cool down the spicy buffalo sauce. They make a perfect match to the meatballs. You can choose one or both based on your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure your meatballs cook well. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. The paper stops the meatballs from sticking. In a big bowl, gather your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add chopped green onions and parsley for flavor. Then, crack in one large egg. Pour in 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. It adds a nice kick! Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all with your hands until it’s even. Make sure every bite is tasty! Now comes the fun part—shaping! Use your hands to form 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them cook evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them cooked through and a little crisp outside. Five minutes before they're done, take them out. Toss them in more buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Put them back in the oven to finish cooking. Let them rest a few minutes after baking. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal! To keep your meatballs moist, use ground turkey with some fat. Lean turkey can dry out. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture, making meatballs tender. Don't overmix the ingredients. This helps them stay soft. Also, form them gently into balls. This keeps air pockets out. For the best buffalo sauce taste, use a mix of hot sauce and butter. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce. Toss the meatballs in sauce just before they finish cooking. This gives them a nice glaze. Taste your sauce before you mix it in. You want to make sure it matches your spice level. Bake your meatballs at 400°F for a nice brown crust. If you prefer softer meatballs, lower the temperature to 375°F. This will take a bit longer. Aim for 25-30 minutes of cooking time. Always check with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust the time if needed to get them just right. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for ground turkey that is 93% lean or higher to keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat content. Chill Before Baking: For firmer meatballs, chill the meatball mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference; add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor. Leftover Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well and stays juicy. If you prefer red meat, use lean ground beef or bison. You can also try ground pork for a richer flavor. Each protein changes the taste, but the cooking steps stay the same. Feel free to play with spices. Add cumin for a warm kick, or smoked paprika for depth. A dash of cayenne pepper boosts the heat level if you love spice. Try Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! These meatballs shine with dipping sauces. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for classic pairing. Try them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese for a tasty twist. Pair with celery sticks and carrot sticks for crunch. For a heartier meal, serve them over rice or zucchini noodles. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! To store leftover Buffalo turkey meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. You can freeze these meatballs for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Reheat meatballs by placing them in the oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat them on a microwave-safe plate for about one minute. Check if they are hot enough before serving. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and shape into balls. Place them on a baking sheet. Then, cover the sheet with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, bake them straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes meal prep easy and quick. To make these meatballs gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just like regular crumbs but fit a gluten-free diet. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats as a binder. Just ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free as well. Check the labels to be safe. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty meatballs. Ground turkey is a lean protein. It has less fat than beef or pork. This makes it a healthier choice for many meals. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Ground turkey provides B vitamins, which help with energy. It is a good source of selenium, which supports your immune system. Plus, using turkey helps cut down on calories while still being tasty. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and taste amazing. We explored the key ingredients, like ground turkey, binders, and optional dips. You now have clear steps for preparation, mixing, shaping, and baking. Tips helped ensure moist meatballs with great flavor. Variations let you swap proteins or change spices, plus serve them in fun ways. Lastly, we discussed storing and reheating to keep them fresh. Enjoy your delicious meatballs and share them with others!

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Spicy and flavorful turkey meatballs coated in buffalo sauce, perfect for a hearty appetizer or main dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.25 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for tossing)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, parsley, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a slight crisp on the outside.
  • About 5 minutes before they are done cooking, remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in additional buffalo sauce to coat. Return to the oven for the last few minutes.
  • Once cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo sauce, meatballs, turkey