Cheesy Turkey Meatballs
The ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and bursting with flavor. These delightful bites are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With a gooey cheese center and a lean ground turkey exterior, they are a hit with everyone!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cheddar cheese sticks
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Make sure not to overwork the mixture; it should be just combined.
- Next, slice the cheddar cheese sticks into 1/4-inch cubes. This will be the cheesy surprise inside the meatballs. Setting them aside helps streamline the next steps.
- With a tablespoon, scoop out the meat mixture and form it into a disc in your hand. Place a cheese cube in the center and then fold the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet them lightly with water to make shaping easier.
- Once all the meatballs are shaped, heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Let the oil warm up for a minute or two until it shimmers slightly, indicating it's ready for the meatballs.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the pan, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Cook them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
- After the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the pan and let them drain on paper towels for a moment to absorb any excess oil. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from being greasy.
- Serve the Cheesy Turkey Meatballs hot, either on their own or with your favorite sauce, pasta, or side dish. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with that gooey cheese!
Notes
Here are some helpful tips for perfecting your Cheesy Turkey Meatballs:
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use. Just shape them, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Pairing: These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti and marinara sauce or as a filling in a sub sandwich.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Cook in sauce: For a different approach, you can simmer the meatballs in your favorite sauce instead of sautéing them.