Juicy oven-baked meatballs with Italian herbs
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6
24 meatballs
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Juicy oven-baked meatballs with Italian herbs
★4.6(16)
Tender, flavorful turkey meatballs baked until golden. Lighter than beef but packed with Italian herbs and Parmesan for big flavor.
15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These turkey meatballs are juicy despite being lean, thanks to a panade of milk-soaked breadcrumbs. Baking instead of frying makes them hands-off and healthier.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs soaked in 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set a wire rack on top.
- 2
Combine soaked breadcrumbs, turkey, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- 3
Scoop into 1.5-inch balls (about 2 tbsp each) and place on the rack.
- 4
Bake 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal).
- 5
Serve with marinara sauce over pasta, in subs, or on their own as appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
BreadcrumbsAlmond flour
Gluten-free option
ParmesanPecorino Romano
Sharper, saltier flavor
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use an ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs.
Don't overmix or the meatballs will be dense.
Make a double batch and freeze for quick weeknight meals.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in marinara sauce over medium heat for 10 minutes, or microwave 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (110mg) · 6 servings
Calories260
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat8g
Fiber480mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dark meat turkey?
- Yes, dark meat is juicier and more forgiving.
- How do I keep them from drying out?
- The panade is key—don't skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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