Name: Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs – Juicy, Easy, and Perfect for Dinner Parties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (mix of light and dark meat); 3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (or panko for gluten-free); 1/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning; Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Description

These Thanksgiving turkey meatballs combine lean turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, garlic, onion, and fresh parsley for tender, flavorful bites perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Soaked breadcrumbs lock in moisture while baking at a high temperature yields a golden exterior and juicy interior. Serve with gravy, cranberry glaze, or skewered as party appetizers. Make ahead by prepping or freezing, then reheat gently with broth. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing results every time and fits seamlessly into your festive menus.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (mix of light and dark meat)

3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (or panko for gluten-free)

1/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk and let sit for 2–3 minutes.

2. Add ground turkey, egg, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and dried seasoning.

3. Gently mix with a fork or hands until ingredients are evenly distributed, avoiding overmixing.

4. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Optional: Broil meatballs for 2 minutes for a crispier exterior.

7. Serve immediately with your choice of sauce or store cooled meatballs in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: appetizer
Method: baking
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs

Keywords: juicy turkey meatballs, easy turkey meatball recipe, dinner party meatball ideas, best ever turkey meatballs, homemade meatballs with parsley, thanksgiving appetizers, turkey recipes