Sweet and Tangy Honey Mustard Turkey Meatballs
Indulge your taste buds with these scrumptious Sweet and Tangy Honey Mustard Turkey Meatballs. Perfectly seasoned ground turkey is combined with savory cheese, crispy crackers, and a hint of ginger, then baked to golden perfection. The meatballs are generously glazed with a sweet, zesty honey mustard sauce enriched with unsweetened pineapple juice, giving them a delightful twist. These flavorful bites are great as an appetizer or a main dish, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Serve them with the remaining sauce as a dip for a full flavor experience that will leave everyone wanting more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (N/A)
egg
1 (beaten)
crushed butter flavored crackers
3/4 cup (N/A)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (N/A)
chopped onion
1/4 cup (N/A)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons (divided)
unsweetened pineapple juice
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
chopped green pepper
1/4 cup (N/A)
honey
2 tablespoons (N/A)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (N/A)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, beaten egg, crushed butter-flavored crackers, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped onion, ground ginger, and 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully combined.
3
Shape the mixture into 30 meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them in a greased 13x9 inch baking dish for easy cooking.
4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) and the juices run clear.
5
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the unsweetened pineapple juice, chopped green pepper, honey, cornstarch, onion powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6
Once boiling, continue to cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
7
After the meatballs have baked, brush them generously with about 1/4 cup of the honey mustard sauce. Return the meatballs to the oven for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Serve the meatballs hot with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of ground turkey.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields approximately 30 meatballs.
What is the recommended size for each meatball?
Each meatball should be approximately 1 inch in diameter.
What binding agents are used for the turkey meatballs?
The meatballs are bound using one beaten egg and 3/4 cup of crushed butter-flavored crackers.
Is there cheese included in the meatball mixture?
Yes, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese is included in the meatball mixture.
What kind of mustard is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, which is divided between the meatballs and the sauce.
What is the initial baking time for the meatballs?
The meatballs should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes initially.
What internal temperature should the turkey meatballs reach?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
What ingredients make up the sweet and tangy sauce?
The sauce consists of unsweetened pineapple juice, chopped green pepper, honey, cornstarch, onion powder, salt, and Dijon mustard.
Is the pineapple juice used in the sauce sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of unsweetened pineapple juice.
How do you thicken the honey mustard sauce?
The sauce is thickened by combining pineapple juice, honey, and cornstarch, bringing the mixture to a boil, and stirring for 2 minutes.
When should the glaze be applied to the meatballs?
After the initial baking period, brush the meatballs with 1/4 cup of the sauce and return them to the oven.
How long do the meatballs bake after being glazed?
They bake for an additional 10 minutes after being glazed to allow the flavors to meld.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended for cooking the meatballs.
Can these meatballs be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are described as an ideal choice for appetizers or as a main dish for a family dinner.
What is the role of ground ginger in this recipe?
Ground ginger is added to the meatball mixture to provide a hint of spice and depth of flavor.
What should be done with the leftover sauce after glazing?
The remaining sauce should be served on the side as a dip for the meatballs.
Are there any fresh vegetables inside the meatballs?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped onion is mixed into the meatballs.
Does the sauce contain fresh peppers?
Yes, the sauce includes 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper.
How much honey is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 2 tablespoons of honey.
Is onion powder used in the meatballs or the sauce?
Onion powder is used specifically in the sauce mixture, while chopped onion is used in the meatballs.
Should the sauce be stirred while boiling?
Yes, you should stir the sauce constantly while it boils to prevent lumps from forming.
What gives these meatballs their 'tangy' flavor profile?
The tanginess comes from the combination of Dijon mustard and unsweetened pineapple juice.
How do you know the meatballs are safe to eat if you don't have a thermometer?
While a thermometer is best, the instructions note that the juices should run clear.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While the recipe specifies butter-flavored crackers for flavor, other crushed crackers could be substituted as a binder.
What makes this recipe 'sweet'?
The sweetness is provided by the honey and the natural sugars in the pineapple juice.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Yes, the description mentions they are ideal for gatherings and party food.
How much cornstarch is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
When do you add the final amount of mustard?
The remaining 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard are stirred into the sauce after it has thickened and the heat is reduced to low.