If you’re craving a comforting yet healthy dish that feels both special and simple, the Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers Recipe is exactly what you need. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and surprise you with molten mozzarella right in the middle. It’s like getting the best of a hearty meal with that irresistible stretchy cheese element wrapped inside lean turkey meat. This recipe brings together everyday ingredients in a way that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping with a tasty twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these meatballs’ magic lies in using straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, or richness. From the savory herbs to the creamy cheese surprises, every component plays an essential role in creating the perfect bite.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté onions, it adds a subtle fruity richness and helps develop the flavor base.
- Diced onion: Adds moisture and sweetness when cooked, balancing the savory turkey.
- Minced garlic: Packs a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender, while contributing to a pleasant texture.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten to hold the mixture together without making it dense.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo that highlights all the other flavors.
- Herbs de Provence: A fragrant blend that adds subtle herbal notes and complexity.
- Half-and-half or whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping meatballs tender.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein base, delivering a healthier alternative while maintaining juiciness.
- Mozzarella Ciliegine: These small mozzarella balls become the gooey, melty centers everyone will love.
How to Make Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze. Give the foil a quick spray with nonstick spray and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, bringing out that sweet, mellow flavor. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the minced garlic, letting the warm onion gently release the garlic’s aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, herbs de Provence, and half-and-half. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined — this mixture will form the flavorful base for your meatballs.
Step 4: Incorporate the Ground Turkey
Add your ground turkey to the bowl and gently mix everything together. The goal here is to combine all ingredients without overworking the meat, which could make your meatballs tough. Think of it as just lightly folding everything until it looks uniform.
Step 5: Scoop and Fill with Mozzarella
Using a 2-inch cookie scoop or your hands lightly sprayed with nonstick spray, scoop out the meat mixture into balls. Press a mozzarella ball carefully into the center of each meatball, making sure it stays in the middle. Then, cover the cheese with meat mixture, rounding the top to seal in the cheesy surprise.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet spaced about 1½ inches apart. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through to 165°F.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, these meatballs are ready to wow. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or marinara for that ultimate flavor combo.
How to Serve Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, bright note, sprinkle the meatballs with chopped fresh parsley or basil. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little kick for those who like some heat, and a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil takes their shine to the next level.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with classic spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a vibrant quinoa salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness of the meatballs with crisp, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving these meatballs skewered with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fun appetizer. Alternatively, stuff them into slider buns with marinara and a sprinkle of parmesan for mini meatball sandwiches that taste fantastic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner additions.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy this delightful recipe anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them covered on medium power, but the oven will best preserve that melty mozzarella center.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground chicken or beef as a tasty alternative, though turkey keeps it lighter and lean.
What if I can’t find Mozzarella Ciliegine?
You can cut regular fresh mozzarella into small cubes or balls to use as a substitute. Just be sure to keep the cheese size small enough to fit neatly in the center of each meatball.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the meat tightly around the cheese ball, rounding your hands gently to cover any gaps. Overlapping the meat mixture evenly is key to keeping that cheesy surprise inside.
Can I bake the meatballs without lining the pan with foil?
You can, but lining with foil and spraying it makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent sticking, which is a huge time saver.
Are these meatballs good for meal prepping?
Yes! They reheat beautifully and can be packed with sides for convenient, delicious meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, the Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. It’s fun to make, satisfying to eat, and guaranteed to become a favorite for anyone who loves that perfect combination of juicy meat and gooey cheese. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from your plate!
Print
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Turkey Meatballs are juicy and flavorful, featuring a gooey mozzarella center surrounded by a perfectly seasoned turkey mixture. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection and make a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or panko)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
- ¼ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 2 lbs ground turkey (or chicken/beef)
Filling
- 8 oz Mozzarella Ciliegine (small mozzarella balls)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the minced garlic, and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, Herbs de Provence, and half-and-half. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the breadcrumb mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form meatballs with mozzarella center: If available, use a 2-inch cookie scoop sprayed with nonstick spray to form meatballs. Otherwise, use your hands sprayed with nonstick spray. Scoop a 2-inch portion of meat mixture, push one mozzarella ball into the center carefully without pushing it too deep, then cover the cheese completely with additional meat mixture. Gently shape into a round ball.
- Place meatballs on baking sheet: Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or marinara sauce.
Notes
- To prevent tough meatballs, do not overmix the meat mixture.
- Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform-sized meatballs that cook evenly.
- Make sure the mozzarella ball is fully enclosed by the meat to avoid it leaking during baking.
- These meatballs can be served as appetizers, in pasta dishes, or as a main course.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
