Everyone loves meatballs, and you just make them that much better with the unbeatable taste of bacon. Today, we will make a delicious Turkey Bacon Meatballs Recipe that bakes the cloud-like, juicy taste of turkey and the salty smokiness of bacon. These meatballs, made with touches of turkey bacon, are a delicious first course or a yummy addition to your weeknight meal. Well, then, let’s get started and find out how to make this delicious dish.
What Makes Turkey Bacon Meatballs So Delicious?
The Perfect Blend of Turkey and Bacon
Turkey bacon meatballs bring together the best of both worlds: ground turkey’s lean and tender nature and the smoky, salty goodness of bacon. By combining these two ingredients, you create a harmonious flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying. The turkey provides a mild base that perfectly complements the robust taste of bacon, resulting in a meatball that is bursting with deliciousness.
A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Meatballs
For those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, turkey bacon meatballs are an excellent choice. Ground turkey is lower in fat than beef or pork, making it a leaner protein option. You can indulge in meatballs by using turkey instead of fattier meats while keeping your meal lighter and more nutritious.
Bursting with Flavor and Juiciness
Thanks to adding bacon, these meatballs are flavorful and incredibly juicy. The bacon adds moisture and richness to the meatball mixture, ensuring each bite is moist and succulent. As the meatballs cook, the bacon fat renders and infuses the surrounding meat, resulting in a burst of savory deliciousness that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these tantalizing turkey bacon meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground Turkey: The Lean and Flavorful Base
Ground turkey serves as the foundation for these meatballs. Opt for lean ground turkey, which perfectly balances flavor and juiciness. It’s readily available in most grocery stores and is a healthier alternative to other meats.
Bacon: Adding Smokiness and Crispy Texture
Bacon is the star ingredient that imparts its unique smoky flavor and crispy texture to the meatballs. Choose high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. Crisp it up before incorporating it into the meatball mixture for maximum flavor.
Onion: Enhancing the Aromatics
Finely chopped onion adds depth and aromatic flavor to the turkey bacon meatballs. It complements the smokiness of the bacon and adds a savory element to the overall taste. Finely chop the onion to ensure it blends seamlessly into the mixture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Providing a Light and Crunchy Coating
Panko breadcrumbs are the secret to achieving a light and crispy meatball coating. They add a delicate crunch to each bite without overpowering the other flavors. Look for panko breadcrumbs in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.
Parsley: A Fresh Herb for Added Flavor
Fresh parsley adds a vibrant and herbaceous note to the turkey bacon meatballs. It brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of freshness to the dish. Chop the parsley finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
Salt and Pepper: The Essential Seasonings
To enhance the taste of the meatballs, season them with salt and pepper. These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and ensure a well-balanced and delicious dish.
BBQ Sauce: A Tangy Glaze (Optional)
Add a tangy BBQ sauce as a glaze for the turkey bacon meatballs for an extra kick of flavor. This optional addition adds a sweet and savory element that perfectly complements the smokiness of the bacon. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
Preparing the Turkey Bacon Meatball Mixture
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the turkey bacon meatball mixture. Follow these simple steps:
Finely Chopping the Onion and Bacon
Start by finely chopping the onion and bacon. A food processor can make this task quick and easy. Ensure that the bacon is crispy before chopping it into small pieces. Finely chopping the ingredients ensures they mix well with the ground turkey and distribute evenly throughout the meatballs.
Combining the Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl
Combine the ground turkey, chopped bacon, finely chopped onion, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. The mixing bowl is your canvas, and each ingredient is a stroke of flavor. Use your hands or a spoon to combine the ingredients, ensuring everything is gently incorporated.
Gently Mixing Until Well-Incorporated
Be gentle when mixing the ingredients to avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in dense and tough meatballs. Use a light touch to blend the ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The goal is to create a cohesive mixture that holds shape when formed into meatballs.
Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs
With the meatball mixture ready, it’s time to shape and cook the meatballs to perfection. Follow these steps:
Preheating the Oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for the meatballs. This high heat will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Forming the Mixture into 1-inch Meatballs
Roll a tablespoon of the meatball mixture between your palms to form a 1-inch meatball. The size is up to you, but smaller meatballs cook faster and offer more surface area for the delicious flavors to develop.
Placing the Meatballs onto a Lined Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Place the formed meatballs onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
Baking Until Golden and Crispy
Place the baking sheet with the meatballs into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Serving and Enjoying the Turkey Bacon Meatballs
Once the turkey bacon meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some serving suggestions and ideas:
Pairing with Your Favorite Sauce or Dip
These turkey bacon meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with various sauces or dips. Serve them with a classic marinara sauce for a traditional twist, or try a tangy BBQ sauce to enhance the smoky flavors. You can also serve them with a creamy aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo for a flavorful kick.
Using Them in Other Dishes
Turkey bacon meatballs can be used in a variety of dishes. Make meatball subs by placing the cooked meatballs in a toasted bun and topping them with your favorite cheese and sauce. Add them to pasta dishes, salads, or meatball sliders for a fun and delicious appetizer.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
When serving the turkey bacon meatballs, you can garnish them with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs for extra flavor. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for a convenient and delicious party snack. Alternatively, you can plate them alongside a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Savory Turkey Bacon Meatballs Recipe Video Guide
Savory Turkey Bacon Meatballs Recipe with Bacon About FAQs
A: Yes, you can use turkey breast instead of ground turkey in this recipe. However, remember that turkey breast is leaner and can produce drier meatballs. To counter this, add a small amount of olive oil or mayonnaise to the mixture to add moisture.
A: Yes, if you prefer turkey bacon or want to reduce the amount of pork in the recipe, you can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon. Turkey bacon has a milder flavor and is lower in fat, but it can still add a pleasant smoky taste to the meatballs.
A: If you have any leftover turkey bacon meatballs, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. You can either reheat them in the microwave or place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes.
A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatball mixture for later use. Shape the mixture into meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the meatballs are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook them, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
A: Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture if you enjoy some heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. You can also serve the meatballs with a spicy dipping sauce or drizzle them with hot sauce before serving.
Ameer Hamza Mughal is a content writer specializing in creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. He is passionate about sharing his culinary knowledge and helping others explore the joy of cooking. With a focus on clear instructions and mouthwatering descriptions, Ameer’s recipes are sure to inspire you to create delectable dishes in your own kitchen.