Welcome to my kitchen, where the magic of the holidays comes alive through food! Today, I’m sharing my beloved recipe for Holiday Breakfast Meatballs—these little bites of joy are perfect for festive gatherings and cozy family breakfasts. I can still remember the first time I made these with my grandma; her secret ingredient was always a sprinkle of love, and I’ve carried that tradition into my own kitchen. These meatballs are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making them a go-to for busy holiday mornings. Plus, they pair perfectly with tangy cranberry sauce, which adds a delightful pop of flavor. Trust me, once you serve these at your next brunch, they’ll become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients for Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Holiday Breakfast Meatballs! Each one plays a crucial role in making them juicy and flavorful.
- 1 pound ground turkey: This is the star of our meatballs! Ground turkey keeps them lean and tender while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind everything together while adding a nice texture. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory kick and a touch of creaminess that makes these meatballs irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley not only brightens the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color to your meatballs.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, bringing everything together and giving your meatballs that perfect, cohesive bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely aromatic flavor, garlic powder is a must! It infuses the meatballs with savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A pinch of onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a dash for some warmth and a little bite!
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (for serving): This tangy-sweet sauce is the perfect dipping companion for your meatballs, adding a festive touch!
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Holiday Breakfast Meatballs! Follow my steps, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast treat in no time.
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your meatballs bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until it’s well combined. Trust me, it’s the best way to feel the texture!
- Form the meatballs: Now, take a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a meatball about 1 inch in diameter. I like to keep a little bowl of water nearby to wet my hands; it makes rolling easier and keeps things from getting sticky.
- Place on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your meatballs on the sheet, making sure they’re spaced out a bit so they can cook evenly.
- Bake them: Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and lightly browned. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Serve warm: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a minute before serving. They’re perfect with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side!
And there you have it—simple, delicious, and ready for your holiday breakfast table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These meatballs come together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making them a breeze to whip up even on busy holiday mornings.
- Deliciously Flavorful: With the perfect blend of spices and the zing of cranberry sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Versatile: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, whether you prefer ground beef or chicken instead of turkey.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and frozen, so you can enjoy them anytime without the hassle of last-minute cooking.
- Festive Appeal: They’re not just a breakfast item; these meatballs are a fun addition to any holiday brunch spread, sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Holiday Breakfast Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, when mixing the ingredients, don’t overmix; just combine until everything is blended. This keeps the meatballs tender instead of tough. Also, if you find the mixture too sticky, adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help you form nice, round meatballs.
For even cooking, make sure to space the meatballs on the baking sheet. And here’s a little trick: if you want them extra juicy, consider checking for doneness a couple of minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary. They’re done when they reach 165°F (74°C) internally, and the outside should be lightly browned. Oh, and don’t forget to let them cool for just a minute before serving; they’ll be super hot right out of the oven!
Variations of Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Holiday Breakfast Meatballs and make them your own! For a spicy kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you’re a fan of herbs, swap out the parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile that screams comfort.
Want to make them a bit sweeter? You can mix in some finely chopped apples or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey. And if you’re looking for a twist on the cheese, feel free to use feta or cheddar instead of Parmesan for a new taste sensation. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and have fun with these meatballs!
Nutritional Information for Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
Each serving of these delightful Holiday Breakfast Meatballs, which consists of four meatballs, packs in about 220 calories. They’re a great source of protein, offering around 20g per serving, making them a filling start to your day. You’ll also find about 10g of fat, with 3g being saturated fat. As for carbohydrates, they come in at roughly 15g, along with 1g of fiber and only 1g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you choose, but they’re always a wholesome choice for breakfast!
FAQ About Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
Let’s tackle some common questions about these scrumptious Holiday Breakfast Meatballs! I know you’ll love them, but it’s always good to have answers at your fingertips.
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While ground turkey is my favorite for its lean qualities, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or even pork. Just remember that the flavor profile will shift a bit with each option!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can! These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge, or even form the meatballs and freeze them for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these meatballs? They’re fantastic on their own, but you can serve them alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or even a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast. They also shine as an appetizer at holiday gatherings!
How do I know when they’re cooked through? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; your meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just cut one open to check that they’re no longer pink inside!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover Holiday Breakfast Meatballs? No worries! To store them, simply let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions for Holiday Breakfast Meatballs
These Holiday Breakfast Meatballs are so versatile and can shine alongside a variety of delicious sides! For a complete breakfast spread, I love serving them with fluffy scrambled eggs or a savory frittata. The creaminess of the eggs pairs beautifully with the meatballs, creating a satisfying meal.
Fresh fruit is another fantastic option—think sweet berries or citrus slices to brighten up your plate and add a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them with crispy hash browns or golden, buttery pancakes for a cozy, hearty breakfast vibe. And let’s not forget a nice cup of steaming coffee or a festive holiday beverage like spiced apple cider to wash it all down. These combinations will surely impress your guests and make your holiday breakfast truly memorable!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and these meatballs are a great way to start it off right! For more delicious recipes, check out this healthy cheesecake recipe for a sweet treat after your meal.
Holiday Breakfast Meatballs: 5 Flavorful Moments Await
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious meatballs perfect for a holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve warm with cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- These can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Holiday Breakfast Meatballs, breakfast meatballs, holiday recipes