Name: Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed); 1/3 cup milk (any kind); 1 lb ground turkey; 1 small shallot, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

There’s something so satisfying about these juicy, flavorful bites of comfort — that’s why I want to share my go-to Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe with you. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier twist that never sacrifices taste.

The image shows several round meatballs that are golden brown on the outside with a slightly crispy texture. Each meatball is evenly cooked with some small browned spots, giving a toasted appearance. They are topped with small green parsley pieces and sprinkled with coarse salt and red chili flakes, adding color contrast. The meatballs sit close together on a white marbled surface that has some faint marks from cooking. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of beige, green, red, and white colors visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe because it hits all the right notes for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up without feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen.

Healthier than fried meatballs: Baking gives you that crispy exterior without all the extra oil and mess.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: Basic pantry staples come together to create a rich, savory dish that’s far from boring.
Versatile and kid-friendly: My family adores them tossed with sauce or just straight from the oven — perfect for picky eaters.
Quick and fuss-free: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes, making it a reliable go-to.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this baked turkey meatballs recipe lies in how simple ingredients combine to create juicy, flavorful meatballs that bake up just right. Plus, a few tricks like soaking the breadcrumbs make all the difference in tenderness.

Flat lay of a pile of fresh ground turkey shaped loosely in a mound, a small uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of fine gluten-free breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small shallot whole and unpeeled with smooth purple skin, two whole cloves of garlic with papery white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl holding a mix of whole black peppercorns and red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Breadcrumbs: These hold moisture and structure so your meatballs won’t fall apart – gluten-free options work beautifully too.
Milk: Absorbing into the breadcrumbs, it keeps the meatballs incredibly tender and juicy.
Ground turkey: Lean but flavorful, it’s a lighter alternative to beef and perfect for a healthy family meal.
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love that irresistible aroma and flavor it brings?
Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty richness that enhances the turkey’s mild flavor.
Oregano: Provides an herby, savory note that complements the cheese and garlic.
Onion powder: Boosts the flavor while keeping texture smooth and easy to mix.
Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out natural flavors and seasoning everything evenly.
Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes: Add a little kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Olive oil: A light drizzle before baking helps the meatballs brown nicely and keeps them moist.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about tweaking recipes to suit what I have on hand or elevate flavors even more — and you can easily personalize this baked turkey meatballs recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the oregano for Italian seasoning to switch up the herbal profile. It gives a lovely Mediterranean twist that my guests adore.
Spice it up: If you like heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the mix before baking wakes the dish right up.
Gluten-free option: I often use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this suitable without losing any texture.
Cheese swap: Grated pecorino or asiago cheese works as tasty stand-ins for parmesan if you want a sharper bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

A white round plate holds a pile of about ten light brown meatballs with a slightly browned surface, showing a rough, cooked texture with tiny bits of herbs inside. They are topped with small green parsley leaves sprinkled all over and a light dusting of grated cheese and red chili flakes. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with small scattered crumbs and herbs around. In the background, there is a white cup blurred out and a green cloth that adds softness to the warm scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let the breadcrumbs soak

I start by stirring the breadcrumbs into the milk and letting them soak for 5-7 minutes. This little step is key — it helps the breadcrumbs soften so your meatballs stay tender and hold moisture better. Meanwhile, I mince the shallot and garlic so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Mix gently but thoroughly

Once the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk, I add the ground turkey, shallot, garlic, parmesan, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, I mix everything just until combined — avoid overmixing, which can make the meat tough. Using your hands, gently combine until uniform but still light.

Step 3: Shape and prep for baking

I like using a large cookie scoop to portion out 1.5-ounce meatballs — it makes them uniform and quick to roll. Wetting my hands keeps the mixture from sticking. Then, I arrange them on a greased sheet pan and drizzle olive oil over the top to help with browning.

Step 4: Bake until perfectly cooked

Pop the sheet pan in the oven at 425°F on the top rack and bake for 13-15 minutes. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer — you’re aiming for 160°F to ensure safety and juiciness. The outsides will be lightly browned and the insides tender and cooked through.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that little tricks mean the difference between just okay meatballs and truly memorable ones — here are some tips I swear by to get it right every time.

Don’t skip soaking the breadcrumbs: It might seem extra, but it’s the secret to tender meatballs that don’t dry out.
Use a meat thermometer: I always check for 160°F, which guarantees juiciness without overcooking.
Wet your hands when shaping: This simple step prevents sticking and helps you form perfectly round meatballs.
Drizzle olive oil before baking: It helps the tops brown and adds great flavor — I used to bake without oil and it just wasn’t the same.

How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe

baked turkey meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these meatballs, I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top — it adds vibrant color and fresh flavor. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of parmesan is also a nice touch to elevate the plate.

Side Dishes

These baked turkey meatballs pair beautifully with simple spaghetti and marinara sauce, or even on a bed of creamy risotto. For something lighter, a crisp green salad and roasted seasonal vegetables work wonders to keep the meal balanced and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I like setting them out as appetizers with toothpicks alongside a tangy dipping sauce. On special occasions, serve the meatballs nestled inside crusty rolls with melted cheese for homemade subs — always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m feeling organized, I portion them out after cooling so we can grab a quick snack or meal element without hassle.

Freezing

Freeze leftover baked meatballs by spreading them on a sheet pan until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months, which is perfect for meal prep days or last-minute dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping meatballs in the oven or air fryer at 400°F right from frozen — it crisps them back up beautifully. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes make them a bit soggy, so if you have the time, I’d go with the oven method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and creates similarly tender meatballs. Just keep an eye on cooking time since chicken can dry out if overdone.

Do I need to add extra fat since turkey is lean?

The milk and parmesan cheese provide enough moisture and richness to keep the meatballs juicy, so additional fat isn’t necessary. Just be careful not to overmix the mixture.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps bind everything and keeps moisture in. Also, don’t overwork the mixture and pack the meatballs firmly but gently when shaping to maintain structure.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use a milk you prefer, and you’re good to go. The texture and flavor remain delicious without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation for all the right reasons — it’s quick, healthy, and downright delicious. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and it’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket when you want a comforting meal without fuss. Give it a try, and don’t be shy about adding your own flair!