Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs for a Cozy Fall Dinner

When you think of apple cider, you probably picture a warm mug on a chilly fall afternoon. But have you ever thought about adding it to your dinner?

These Apple Cider Turkey Meatballs bring together the savory flavors of ground turkey, warm spices, and a little sweetness from fresh apple cider. They're simple to prepare, full of fall flavor, and perfect for a family dinner or gathering.

The best part? You only need half a cup of apple cider, so there's plenty left to enjoy with your meal.

What You'll Need

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey

• ½ cup apple cider

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. black pepper

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp. garlic powder

• ½ tsp. onion powder

• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

Let's Get Cooking!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, apple cider, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, seasonings, and parsley.

Gently combine the ingredients until evenly mixed. You don't want to overwork the turkey, as this can make your meatballs a little tough.

Step 3: Roll Your Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs roughly 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the centers reach 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the meatballs rest briefly before serving. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite fall sides for a satisfying dinner.

A Few Tips Before You Start

One of the nice things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own.

If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more savory flavor, experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary.

You can also prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.

And don't forget, we're using apple cider here, not apple cider vinegar. The cider adds a gentle sweetness that complements the turkey and spices without overpowering the dish.

Bring a Little Selmi's Home

There's still plenty of fall flavor to enjoy even after your visit to the farm.

Stop by Selmi's Farm Store and grab some fresh apple cider to try this recipe at home. Whether you're making dinner for the family or bringing something different to a fall gathering, these turkey meatballs are a delicious way to put that cider to use.

Give them a try, and let us know what you think!

Recipe adapted from Feel Fresh Recipes.