Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Recipe (9 Dishes That Pair Well)

I adore Buffalo turkey meatballs, and it's my go-to dish whenever I'm hosting on game day.

Through countless hours spent experimenting in the kitchen and a deep understanding of flavor combinations, I developed a recipe that I’ve never stopped making since.

These healthy Buffalo turkey meatballs are not only tasty appetizer cuisine, but they also incorporate good-for-you choices without compromising the absolutely delicious flavor.

Easy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Recipe Overview

• Meal Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• Hot sauce to taste
• 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (or ¼ white onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup regular or panko breadcrumbs
• Celery sticks for serving
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine meatball ingredients of lean ground turkey, almond flour, chopped green onions, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix meatball ingredients well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
3. Gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles, chopped fresh parsley, and breadcrumbs into the ground turkey mixture.
4. Using your hands, shape the raw meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly spray the meatballs with cooking spray or brush with olive oil using paper towels. This will help them achieve a golden brown color while baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
7. While the meatballs bake, whisk together the Buffalo sauce, hot sauce, and blue cheese dressing in a medium bowl until well combined.
8. Once the meatballs are cooked, place meatballs in the bowl and gently toss them in the Buffalo sauce mixture to coat evenly.
9. Serve Buffalo turkey meatballs garnished with extra chopped green onion and a drizzle of additional Buffalo sauce, if desired.
10. Accompany the cooked meatballs with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like ranch dressing or Greek yogurt mixed with a little hot sauce.

Recipe Notes

• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and Buffalo sauce according to your preference for spiciness. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or increase it for an extra kick. You can also add Worcestershire sauce or Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to the Buffalo sauce mixture before tossing the meatballs in order to achieve your desired heat level.
• When placing the meatballs made with ground turkey on the baking sheet, ensure they are not too close together. Leaving a little space between them allows for even cooking and helps prevent them from sticking together.
• These Buffalo turkey meatballs are versatile and can be served as sliders or subs for a game day spread or party platter. Choose small slider buns or sub rolls, add lettuce, tomato slices, and extra sauce, and you have a delicious handheld meal option.
• While blue cheese adds a distinct flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta, cheddar, or mozzarella for a unique twist. Incorporating different cheeses can create delightful flavor combinations that complement the Buffalo sauce.
• If you want these baked turkey meatballs gluten-free, ensure that the breadcrumbs and other optional ingredients are certified to be without gluten. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs.
• This simple recipe can be easily customized using ground pork, lean ground beef, or a combination of meats instead of ground turkey. Lean ground chicken meatballs are as delicious as these healthy Buffalo turkey meatballs.
• In addition to Buffalo sauce, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a tangy yogurt-based dip. This adds more dimension to the flavors and lets your guests personalize their experience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days [1]. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months [2].
• These Buffalo turkey meatballs can be made using an air fryer for a crispier texture. Air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 5g

"When it comes to meatballs, the secret lies in the perfect blend of ingredients and the luscious coating of Buffalo sauce. It's the ultimate marriage of bold flavors, a little spice, and succulent textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight."

- Jenna Passaro, American Chef

Also Read: Smoked BBQ Meatballs

What to Serve With Buffalo Turkey Meatballs?

Here are some dishes and sides that pair well with a quick snack of Buffalo turkey meatballs:

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries complements the spicy kick of the Buffalo turkey meatballs. The contrast in textures and flavors makes for a satisfying combination.
2. Celery and Carrot Sticks: Crisp and refreshing celery and carrot sticks provide a cool and crunchy contrast to the heat of the Buffalo sauce. They also add a healthy dose of fiber, hydration, and nutrients.
3. Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing offers a cooling and tangy element that balances out the heat from the Buffalo sauce. Its creamy texture complements the lean turkey meatballs.
4. Greek Yogurt Dip: A simple Greek yogurt dip seasoned with herbs and spices offers a protein-rich and tangy accompaniment that tempers the spiciness of the meatballs.
5. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory Buffalo turkey meatballs. The salad adds variety and an extra serving of vegetables.
6. Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a great choice for a low-carb option. Its neutral flavor pairs well with the bold flavors of the Buffalo turkey meatballs and helps balance the meal.
7. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light lemon dressing adds a wholesome and nutritious element to the meal, offering a nice contrast in textures.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that complements the spiciness of the meatballs, creating a well-rounded taste experience.
9. Zucchini Fries: Swap traditional French fries for zucchini fries to keep the meal light and healthy. Zucchini fries provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the bold flavors of the Buffalo meatballs.

Read More: Potato Meatballs Recipe

FAQs

A Winning Recipe for Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

As you've discovered, making healthy Buffalo turkey meatballs is all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures for this easy weeknight dinner or game-day snack.

And if you love meatballs, quality ingredients matter. Investing in high-quality turkey and fresh spices will elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.

References:

1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/ground-beef-and-food-safety
2. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-freeze-beef