Go Back
- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat for a healthier option) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup additional buffalo sauce for coating - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The ground turkey is the star of this dish. It serves as a lean protein base and keeps the meatballs moist. I often choose whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra fiber, but regular ones work well too. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor, while the green onions give a fresh crunch. Ranch dressing ties all the flavors together, and hot sauce adds a nice kick. - Cheese alternatives - Additional spices You can add cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for extra gooeyness. If you want more heat, try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These little tweaks can make the dish your own. - Mixing bowls - Baking sheet and parchment paper Using mixing bowls helps combine all the ingredients well. I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper. It makes cleanup easier and keeps the meatballs from sticking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. A hot oven helps the meatballs cook through and brown nicely. Mixing the meatball ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1 tablespoon hot sauce - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Use your hands to mix everything until it is well combined. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This makes each bite flavorful. Shaping the meatballs Now, take some of the mixture and shape it into 1-inch meatballs. Use your hands to form them. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each one. Baking time and temperature Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. You can check by cutting one open to see if it's no longer pink inside. Coating in buffalo sauce While the meatballs bake, heat 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Toss them in the warm buffalo sauce. Make sure every meatball is well coated for that spicy kick. Serving recommendations Serve the meatballs warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. For extra flair, place them on a platter with celery and carrot sticks. You can also drizzle more ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy this savory dish with friends and family! To keep meatballs moist, use a mix of ground turkey and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help absorb moisture. You can also add ranch dressing for extra flavor and juiciness. For even cooking, bake the meatballs at 400°F. This temperature helps them brown nicely. Space them out on the baking sheet so heat can flow around them. Adjust the spice level by changing the amount of hot sauce. If you want less heat, use less sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. For alternative coating sauces, try BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce. Both add unique flavors and pair well with turkey. For a great presentation, arrange the meatballs on a platter. Add fresh celery and carrot sticks for color. Drizzle extra ranch dressing on top for a fun touch. Complementary side dishes include a fresh salad or crispy fries. Both make your meal feel complete and delicious. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist without excess fat. Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce according to your taste preference. Chill Before Baking: For firmer meatballs, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before forming and baking. Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra flavor boost. {{image_2}} You can make Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs even healthier. Start by using leaner meats, like ground chicken or extra-lean turkey. These meats have less fat, but still taste great. You can also choose whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add fiber and nutrients, making your dish better for you. For low-carb variations, swap breadcrumbs for crushed cauliflower or almond flour. This change keeps the meatballs moist while lowering carbs. You can still enjoy the yummy taste without the extra carbs. Want to switch up the flavor? Use different seasoning blends. Try adding smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky twist. You can mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. Sauce pairings also offer variety. Instead of buffalo sauce, you can try BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce. Each sauce brings a new taste. Experiment to find your favorite combination. Meal prep makes cooking easier. You can freeze these meatballs for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the meatballs. You can do this in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Or, use the microwave for a quick option. Just ensure they heat through without drying out. Buffalo ranch turkey meatballs last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and safe to eat. For best results, freeze the meatballs after baking. Let them cool completely. Then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, first, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat them in 30-second intervals. Check often to avoid drying out. You can also reheat in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them juicy and tasty. Enjoy your meal! You can serve these meatballs with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Celery sticks: They add crunch and freshness. - Carrot sticks: A sweet contrast to the spice. - Extra ranch dressing: Great for dipping! - Salad: A light green salad pairs well. - Rice or quinoa: They soak up the sauce nicely. - Pasta: Toss the meatballs with pasta for a hearty meal. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time for busy days. You can also freeze them. Just shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time. Definitely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores offer these options. You can also make your own by grinding gluten-free bread. Check the hot sauce and ranch dressing labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the meatballs without worry! Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs are simple to make and full of flavor. We discussed the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and essential equipment you need. Then, I provided a step-by-step guide, tips for perfect meatballs, and ideas for customization. Lastly, I covered storage and answered common questions. These meatballs can be a tasty and healthy dish. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors and serving them your way. With these tips, you can create a winning recipe that impresses!

Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in spicy buffalo sauce, perfect for a party or game day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 unit egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup additional buffalo sauce for coating
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, ranch dressing, hot sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • During the last few minutes of baking, heat the additional buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and, while they're still hot, toss them in the warm buffalo sauce until well coated.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with celery and carrot sticks, and extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo sauce, meatballs, turkey