10 Mouth-Watering Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatball Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings [Plus Tips for Perfecting Your Meatball Game]

Short answer smitten kitchen turkey pesto meatballs:

Smitten Kitchen’s recipe for turkey pesto meatballs includes ground turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto sauce, and a few other ingredients. They’re baked in the oven for an easy and flavorful dinner option.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs

If you’re tired of the same old meatloaf or spaghetti and meatballs, switching things up with these Smitten Kitchen turkey pesto meatballs is just what you need. These savory creations are deliciously satisfying and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 tablespoons pesto
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil

Instructions:

Step One: Preheat your oven to 400°F

Before you start mixing together the ingredients, preheat your oven to a temperature of 400°F. This will make sure that your oven is ready when it’s time to cook your meatballs.

Step Two: Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl

Take a large mixing bowl and add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix everything in the bowl thoroughly.

Step Three: Add minced garlic

Now it’s time to add some flavor by dicing up some fresh garlic into small pieces. Add them into the bowl with other dry ingredients then mix everything together evenly.

Step Four: Add turkey meat and pesto sauce & mix everything well

Once all the dry ingredients have been mixed thoroughly, add in your ground turkey – make sure to break it up using your fingers while adding to avoid lumps – then gently fold everything together until they are well combined. Afterwards, add about three tablespoons of pesto sauce onto the mixture.

Be careful not overwork or knead excessively because that will cause tough texture once baked as opposed to being soft, juicy and moist.

Step Five: Shape your meatballs & place on baking tray lined with parchment paper

After combining all of the ingredients together, form small balls by gently rolling between both hands then place them onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof parchment paper so that they don’t stick to the tray during baking.

Step Six: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through

Once you’ve have lined up your meatballs on the parchment paper, place them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, checking regularly.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meatball so ensure to adjust it accordingly.

Step Seven: Serve & Enjoy!

After everything is done and your Smitten Kitchen turkey pesto meatballs are cooked through, take them out of the oven and serve while they’re still hot! These meatballs go great with a side salad or mashed potatoes – whatever you like!

In conclusion, this recipe is simple to prepare and yields delicious results. So if you want an easy way to switch things up from your typical dishes try making these Smitten Kitchen turkey pesto meatballs today.

How to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions with Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs

As a host, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when hosting a dinner party is catering to everyone’s dietary restrictions. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan or just simply avoiding certain types of food for personal reasons, it can be overwhelming trying to come up with a menu that accommodates all your guests.

But don’t fret! We have the perfect solution – Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs. These meatballs are not only delicious and easy to make but also cater to most common dietary restrictions like being gluten-free, keto-friendly and even low-carb. They’re perfect for any occasion whether it’s game days or holidays!

With just a few tweaks and substitutions, you can have the perfect meal that caters to everyone’s needs without sacrificing taste or quality.

Here’s how you can accommodate dietary restrictions with these delicious turkey pesto meatballs:

Gluten-free: Swap out breadcrumbs for almond flour – this easy substitution means that these meatballs are now naturally gluten-free!

Keto-friendly/Low Carb: You might be thinking that meatballs aren’t exactly low carb – but with this recipe they totally are! Use almond flour as well as reducing carrots in half and increasing cheese quantity. The recipe eliminates other high carbs ingredients such as bread crumbs, pasta sauce and Worcestershire.

Vegetarian: Make Vegetarian version of meatball mixture by substituting turkey for chickpeas (use 2 cans drained & rinsed) and cheese from cow’s milk instead of rennet based.

Vegan option: You will need a blend of wheat protein/gluten plus chickpeas instead of turkey since we still want the main ingredient giving enough structure & density to form into balls using hand.

These simple adjustments ensure everyone at your party can enjoy these tasty morsels while sticking to their dietary choices – no one has to miss out on anything!

To sum up; if you’re looking for an easy go-to recipe that’s adaptable and will cater to all your guests’ dietary needs, Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs are the answer. By making just a few simple substitutions, you can turn this classic dish into a meal that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing its delicious taste. So why wait? Get in the kitchen and whip up a batch today!

Top 5 Facts about Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs You Need to Know

Smitten Kitchen is a popular food blog that has been around since 2006. It is owned by Deb Perelman, and it is known for its delicious and easy-to-make recipes. One of the most popular recipes on the blog is the turkey pesto meatballs. These meatballs are not only tasty but also healthy, as they are made with lean ground turkey instead of beef. So, if you want to know more about these mouth-watering meatballs, here are the top 5 facts that you need to know.

1. They Are Easy to Make

One of the best things about these meatballs is that they are incredibly easy to make. All you need is some ground turkey, pesto sauce, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and shape them into small balls. Then bake them in the oven or cook them on a pan until they’re browned from all sides.

2. They Are Healthier Than Beef Meatballs

If you’re looking for a healthier option than traditional beef meatballs, then these turkey pesto meatballs are an excellent choice. Turkey is leaner than beef which means it contains fewer calories per serving. Additionally, they contain pesto sauce which adds flavor without adding many calories.

3. You Can Customize Them to Your Liking

Another great thing about these meatballs is that you can customize them according to your liking. If you don’t like garlic or onions, leave them out or add more spices if you prefer a spicier taste.

4. They Make Excellent Leftovers

These leftovers freeze really well so that it couldn’t be easier to grab one and reheat it for lunch any day .

5.They are versatile

These days we’re always trying something new , if anybody do not eat pasta , go ahead with vegetables curry …they go so well! Thanks Smitten Kitchen!

In conclusion over this decade -old, and immensely popular food blogs , Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs are certainly a success story. They remain an easy to make, versatile and healthy option to your kitchen table . Go ahead , give it a try !

FAQs on Making and Serving Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making and serving Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs. These meatballs are a twist on classic Italian-American meatballs, infused with the fresh flavors of basil pesto and turkey. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at your next gathering. In this article, we’ll be answering the most frequently asked questions about these delicious meatballs.

1. What ingredients do I need to make Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs?

To make 24 meatballs, you will need:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– ¾ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs
– 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
– Salt and black pepper

For the sauce:
– 1 can (14oz) crushed tomatoes
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper

2. Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?

Yes! You can use store-bought pesto sauce instead of homemade. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand that you like.

3. Can I substitute another type of ground meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! You can use any ground meat of your liking such as chicken, beef or pork.

4. Do I have to cook the turkey beforehand?

Nope! Since the recipe calls for ground turkey, it is already cooked when you purchase it from the store.

5. Should I brown the meatballs before baking them?

It’s completely up to you! Browning them in a skillet before baking will give them a nice crust but it’s not necessary since they will get crispy in the oven.

6. How long should I bake the meatballs for?

Bake them for around 20 minutes at 400°F until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Can I freeze leftover uncooked meatballs?

Of course! Place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a sealed bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

8. How should I serve Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs?

These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it on top of spaghetti with tomato sauce for a classic Italian meal.

There you have it – all your questions about making and serving Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs answered. Now go whip up a batch of these delicious meatballs and impress your family or guests!

Tips for Perfecting the Flavor of Your Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs

Turkey Pesto Meatballs are a perfect delicacy for any food lover. The blend of turkey and pesto is just marvelous, and coupled with the right seasoning, it can create an explosive flavor that will linger in your taste buds for a while. However, the unpredictability of meats often leaves us with an undesirable outcome when we try to prepare such dishes.

But fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of perfecting the flavorful Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs. Below are some tips to help you achieve maximum perfection.

1. Use Fresh Ground Turkey

The quality of your meat goes a long in making sure your dish comes out delightful or unpleasing to your taste buds. For these turkey pesto meatballs, fresh ground turkey works perfectly. Avoid using pre-packaged options that may contain additives or preservatives. Purchasing from a reputable source guarantees freshness and no added chemicals.

2. Add Parmesan Cheese

Adding parmesan cheese to your meatball mix will not only give it a scrumptious umami flavor but also bind everything together while forming it into balls seamlessly.

3. Pepper Flakes

Pepper flakes can come in handy by adding a subtle spiciness that wakes up your taste buds at every bite without overwhelming them.

4. Fresh Basil

By adding freshly chopped basil leaves into the mix brings out exceptional notes of aroma and flavor; as soon as it hits those hot cooking oils, their natural sweetness becomes intensified by caramelization adding lovely herbaceousness elements to the entire dish.

5. Cook on Low Heat

Always cook on medium-low heat since turkey has low-fat content compared to beef or pork which means cooking at high heat risks drying them out leaving unpleasant rubber-like texture in our mouths which defeat its purpose – moistness!

6: Breadcrumb Ratio

Breadcrumbs act as fillers in meatballs if overused they’ll make them dry so, a ratio of one cup to every two pounds of turkey is just about right for a moist melt-in-your-mouth texture.

7. Use Fresh Pesto

For the ultimate pesto freshness and taste, always make your pesto or purchase from reputable sources who sell fresh non-artificial ones. You can try making yours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for future use or buy from grocery stores that refrigerate theirs keeping additives out.

By following these tips, your Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs are guaranteed to reach perfection with their savory flavor sizzling in enticing notes that will satisfy any food lover’s craving.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs

The holiday season is almost over, but if you’re anything like me, you are still swimming in leftover turkey. Turkey sandwiches and salads can get monotonous, so why not switch things up with some creative leftover ideas? Enter the Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs.

These meatballs are made from leftover cooked turkey, mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese and pesto. They are already packed with flavor and perfect for repurposing into a variety of dishes. Here are some clever ways to use those Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs:

1) Spaghetti and Meatballs: This classic meal just got an upgrade! Serve the meatballs over spaghetti and top it off with your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

2) Meatball Sliders: If you have party leftovers or just crave a quick easy bite-sized snack to keep handy, turn these tasty meatballs into sliders! Simply slice open dinner rolls or brioche buns and stuff them with meatballs, provolone or mozzarella cheese slices, fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes or even caramelized onions for enhanced flavor!

3) Flatbread Topping: Use up large flatbreads or pita by turning them into mini pizzas! Spread tomato sauce or hummus on your flatbread base, sprinkle around chopped arugula leaves then place chunks of Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs on top. Finish off with crumbled feta cheese then bake for ten minutes at 400°F.

4) Craving tacos? Take out some tortillas and load them up with spiced shredded cabbage slaw and avocado dressing before adding a generous portion of these mortadella-style rolled-up Ballottoes to create unique taco-variants.

5) Salad Bowl Toppers – Adding protein tops to any salad is always an excellent way to give it an umph factor; try using these meatballs as a shortcut! Slice the meatballs into pieces and arrange them over a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, pickled onions, and lemon vinaigrette.

6) Thai Style Curries – These leftover Turkey Pesto Meatballs work amazingly in Asian inspired cuisines. You can cook up some fragrant jasmine rice along with green curry paste, coconut milk and vegetables then add in the cut-up Smitten Kitchen ballottoes for an instant upgrade.

These are just six creative ways to use leftover Smitten Kitchen Turkey Pesto Meatballs – the possibilities are endless! Next time you’re tired of the typical turkey sandwiches or salads, consider repurposing your leftovers by creating something unique from this recipe. Bon appétit!

Table with useful data:

Ingredient	Measurement
Ground turkey	1 pound
Pesto	1/4 cup
Panko breadcrumbs	1/2 cup
Egg	1 large
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons

Information from an expert:

As an expert in the field of cooking and nutrition, I highly recommend trying out the smitten kitchen turkey pesto meatballs recipe. This dish is both delicious and nutritious as it uses lean protein from turkey and flavorful pesto sauce made with fresh herbs. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted to fit personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s a great way to add variety to your meal plan and impress dinner guests. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!

Historical fact:

The concept of meatballs can be traced back to the 4th century BC in China, where they were made with ground meat and various spices. Over time, meatballs became popular throughout Europe and the Middle East, taking on different variations and names such as köfte, polpette, and frikadeller. Today, they remain a beloved comfort food around the world.