Print

Healthy Baked Turkey Meatball Skewers: Easy Game Day Appetizer

healthy baked turkey meatball skewers - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy, flavorful turkey meatballs baked on skewers for a perfect game day snack. Protein-packed, baked not fried, and full of flavor that doesn’t compromise—the only game day appetizer you’ll need.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93/7)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ small yellow onion, grated (about 2 tablespoons pulp and juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with olive oil.
  2. Using a box grater, grate half a small yellow onion over a bowl. You should have about 2 tablespoons of onion pulp and juice. Do not drain the liquid.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated onion with its juices, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Use your hands to mix gently just until incorporated—do not overmix. Stop as soon as you don’t see any more streaks of egg or breadcrumbs.
  5. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs (about 1 ounce each). Roll them gently between your palms to shape into smooth balls.
  6. Thread 2 meatballs onto each soaked skewer, leaving a little space between them. Place the skewers on the prepared wire rack, making sure the meatballs aren’t touching each other.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C). At the 12-minute mark, rotate the baking sheet for even browning. The meatballs should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
  8. Optional: For a deeper golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let the skewers rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Grate the onion instead of chopping for extra moisture. Mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. For a crowd, keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, baked meatballs, game day appetizer, healthy snack, skewers, turkey, appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/healthy-baked-turkey-meatball-skewers-easy-game-day-appetizer/