Baked Parmesan Turkey Meatballs with Fresh Herbs
These delicious Baked Parmesan Turkey Meatballs are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Made with a blend of lean ground turkey and enriched with flavorful herbs like fresh parsley and green onions, these meatballs are lower in fat yet big on flavor. The addition of fat-free evaporated milk helps keep them moist while still being light. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a protein-packed addition to your favorite pasta dish, these meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also versatile. Enjoy them baked to perfection for a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (use a mix of white and dark meat)
fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup (can substitute with low-fat or fat-free milk)
minced fresh garlic
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2-3/4 cup (more if needed)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (can use up to 1/2 cup)
green onions
2 (finely chopped (or use a small yellow onion))
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
large egg
1 (slightly beaten)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Parmesan Turkey Meatballs?
Baked Parmesan Turkey Meatballs are a healthier, lower-fat version of the classic meatball, made with lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and savory parmesan cheese.
What kind of ground turkey is best for this recipe?
For the best results, use a mix of white and dark ground turkey meat to ensure the meatballs remain moist and flavorful.
Why is evaporated milk used in turkey meatballs?
Fat-free evaporated milk is used to provide moisture to the lean turkey meat without adding significant fat, preventing the meatballs from drying out.
Can I substitute the fat-free evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute fat-free evaporated milk with low-fat or fat-free regular milk.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
What type of breadcrumbs are needed?
Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs. You may need to add a little more if the mixture is too wet to form balls.
Can I add more parmesan cheese?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, you can use up to 1/2 cup for a richer flavor.
What kind of onions are recommended?
The recipe calls for two finely chopped green onions for a mild flavor.
Can I use a yellow onion instead of green onions?
Yes, a small yellow onion, finely chopped, is a perfectly acceptable substitute for green onions.
What fresh herbs are included?
This recipe features 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, clean flavor.
Why is an egg included in the recipe?
One large, slightly beaten egg acts as a binder to help the meatballs hold their shape during baking.
How are the meatballs seasoned?
The meatballs are seasoned with seasoning salt and black pepper, both of which can be adjusted to taste.
Are these meatballs considered healthy?
Yes, they are considered a healthy option because they use lean poultry and are baked rather than fried.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, by using lean turkey and fat-free milk, these meatballs are lower in fat than traditional beef versions.
How are these turkey meatballs cooked?
These meatballs are baked in the oven until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Can I serve these with pasta?
Absolutely! These meatballs are a great protein-packed addition to any of your favorite pasta dishes.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used to make these flavorful turkey meatballs.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The exact serving size depends on the size of the meatballs you form, but the recipe uses one pound of turkey.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried parsley if necessary; use about one-third the amount of fresh.
How do I ensure the meatballs aren't dry?
Using evaporated milk and including some dark meat turkey are the best ways to ensure a moist texture.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are easy to prepare in advance and can be stored for several days or even frozen.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the dry breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
It is recommended to use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Can I air fry these meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs can be air fried at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What is the best way to chop the herbs?
Finely chopping the parsley and green onions ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
What should I do if the meat mixture is too sticky?
If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling.
Are these meatballs spicy?
No, these are savory meatballs. If you want spice, you can add red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Can I use this mixture for turkey burgers?
Yes, this flavorful mixture can easily be shaped into patties and grilled or pan-seared as turkey burgers.
What is the internal temperature for cooked turkey meatballs?
Ground turkey should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.