Imagine the aroma of savory turkey mingling with tangy feta cheese, filling your kitchen with the warmth of Mediterranean flavors.
These Turkey Feta Meatballs are delightfully simple to make, bringing comfort and indulgence to your table with minimal effort.
As the meatballs bake to golden perfection, the ingredients meld into something truly special.
Ready to experience this delicious transformation? Let’s bring this dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 large skillet
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Turkey Feta Meatballs, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop the fresh parsley and mince the garlic.
- Mixing Ingredients (5 minutes):
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, feta cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shaping Meatballs (5 minutes):
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Searing Meatballs (6 minutes):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Baking Meatballs (15-20 minutes):
- Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Resting (5 minutes):
- Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, feta cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the meatballs in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that complements the flavors of the Mediterranean-inspired meatballs perfectly.
- Greek Salad: A vibrant salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta brings freshness and crunch to the meal.
- Pita Bread: Serve the meatballs wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious handheld option.
- Rice Pilaf: A side of fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and spices provides a hearty accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and pairs well with the savory meatballs.
Storage
Store turkey feta meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Turkey Feta Meatballs, first cool them completely.
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Reheating
To reheat Turkey Feta Meatballs, use an oven set at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Or microwave on medium heat, covered, for 2-3 minutes to retain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Feta Meatballs are a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish. They’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The combination of ground turkey and crumbled feta cheese creates a juicy and savory meatball.
Fresh parsley and garlic add aromatic notes, while breadcrumbs and egg help bind the mixture together.
The addition of oregano, salt, and pepper rounds out the seasoning.
Searing the meatballs in olive oil guarantees a deliciously browned exterior before finishing them in the oven.
Be certain to let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the meatballs’ tenderness.
For a complete meal, consider serving these meatballs with tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and simplicity of this delectable dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Feta Cheese With Another Type of Cheese?
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a similar creamy texture. Use 1/2 cup of either cheese to maintain the recipe’s balance. Make sure the cheese is fresh for best flavor enhancement.
How Can I Make the Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Substitute breadcrumbs with an equal amount of almond flour to make the meatballs gluten-free. Guarantee all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free and use precise measurements for consistency. Check labels for hidden gluten in spices or cheese.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Parsley?
You can substitute fresh parsley with 2 tablespoons of dried parsley or 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro for a different flavor profile. Make certain you measure accurately to maintain the balance of flavors in the dish.
Is It Possible to Make These Meatballs Spicy?
Yes, you can add spice by incorporating 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili into the mixture. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, ensuring it complements the Mediterranean flavors.
How Do I Prevent the Meatballs From Falling Apart?
Guarantee meatballs hold their shape by thoroughly binding ingredients. Use precise measurements for breadcrumbs and egg, enhancing adhesion. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture. Gently sear each side to create a firm crust before baking.
Turkey Feta Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, feta cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the meatballs in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
