This hearty appetizer brings together traditional flavors of the holiday season in a whole new way! These turkey meatballs feature a classic, fall herb combination that are wonderful on their own, but are simply spectacular, when dipped in this autumnal, apple gravy. This exact recipe can also be reformatted into herbed turkey meatloaf with apple gravy glaze!

HERBED TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH APPLE GRAVY DIPPING SAUCE

By: Christy Bray Graves

(Makes 24 meatballs)

INGREDIENTS

For the Meatballs

  • 1-1.5 lb. ground turkey
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp dried thyme*
  • ½ tsp dried sage*
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Apple Gravy

  • 1 TBSP salted butter**
  • 1 TBSP flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 TBSP apple butter
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

To Garnish

  • Fresh thyme leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients listed for the meatballs. Use your hands to mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the meat will become tough.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour into the melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir constantly and break up lumps of flour.
  3. Keep stirring and allow the butter and flour mixture to cook for 3 – 5 minutes or until it is a light caramel color and no lumps of flour remain.
  4. Slowly pour the chicken stock into the butter mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.
  5. Once the mixture has just begun to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the apple butter and black pepper.
  6. Allow the gravy to simmer over medium-low for another 3 – 5 minutes, stirring frequently. As it simmers, the gravy will thicken.
  7. Serve meatballs with toothpicks and a side of gravy for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

NOTES

*The dried thyme and sage can be substituted for 1 teaspoon of dried poultry seasoning if you have some on hand after Thanksgiving!

**If you only have unsalted butter on hand, feel free to use that and stir in a pinch of salt when you add the apple butter and pepper.

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