We love these Cajun Turkey Meatballs. Meatballs are a versatile dish. A humble ball of ground meat can be a vehicle for any flavours you like. All you need are seasonings and/or sauces for them to become whatever you like. Like chicken wings, meatballs are a perfect party snack. At a party or on an appetizer tray, they disappear fast. Attesting to the popularity of little balls of cooked meat.
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Who Invented the Meatball?
Although we think of the meatball as an Italian invention, you can find them in the cuisines of nearly all cultures. Nobody really knows the true origin of the meatball, but here's an interesting read about it: History of the Meatball.
Healthier Meatball Party Snacks
These baked turkey meatballs are healthier than chicken wings because not only do you bake them with no added fat, but lean ground turkey is lower in fat and calories than chicken wings. They aren't as messy as wings and there are no bones to deal with.
We love meatballs. And mild-tasting turkey meatballs are a favourite because they're even better when baked in the oven instead of fried. (Or try air frying them: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs) These Cajun turkey meatballs are easy to make ahead of time to reheat before your party, and they taste great cold, too.
Can I Freeze These Turkey Meatballs?
Cooked meatballs also freeze well. I like to cook a big batch, freezing half for another time. Although these turkey meatballs are Cajun seasoned, unseasoned meatballs can be tossed in any sauce, like chicken wings. How about meatball night, instead of wing night? I think that could be a thing.
About Cajun Seasoning
I used my own easy Cajun Seasoning Mix recipe, but you can use a packaged Cajun seasoning mix, too. My Cajun seasoning mix is pretty mild, so it won't be overkill when you toss the meatballs in the hot sauce at the end. They do, however, have some heat (they are Cajun, right?), so it's nice to serve them with a cooling ranch dip.
Want More Meatballs Ideas?
Check these out:
Recipe
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Cajun Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 small onion diced, about ½ cup
- 2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix
- ¼ cup Louisiana style hot sauce
- 3 tablespoon Italian flat leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° Line a baking sheet with parchment
- In a medium bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs, onion, and seasoning
- Form turkey mixture into balls, about 16 balls
- Spread meatballs on the baking sheet without crowding
- Bake 30 minutes, turning halfway through
- Remove from oven and in a bowl, toss meatballs with hot sauce until coated
- Arrange on a serving dish and garnish with parsley
- Serve with ranch dressing for dipping
Heather
Do you have a suggestion for using the cajun style for frozen meatballs?
Colleen
Hi Heather, I haven't tried it with frozen meatballs, but I suggest baking the frozen meatballs per the package instructions and then tossing them in a combination of the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
Regine
Excellent. Gave me 24 meatballs using a one tablespoon scoop. I also used a food processor to finely chop my onion.
Also, because my mom cannot eat spicy food, I omitted the Louisiana hot sauce. I instead did a creole sauce (with tomato paste, onions, garlic, water, olive oil). But I did make your cajun spice mix for the recipe. Only thing I omitted was the cumin because I am not fond of it. I replaced it with more smoked paprika.
Colleen
Hi Regine! I'm so glad to hear these meatballs turned out great for you. Thanks for sharing your tweaks! Your feedback is appreciated.
MDIVADOMESTICA
Meatballs that you can dip! What is not to love about it? Seriously fun.
Cajun spicing up the turkey sounds great and a great lower fat alternative.
Colleen
Thank you! Fun, for sure, and yummy, too 🙂
Sean@Diversivore
The flavours sound wonderful, I love that you used turkey, and I'm sure I could gobble (hah!) up a whole bunch of these no problem. That being said, the one thing that REALLY stands out here for me is your little tip at the end. A melon baller! What an awesome idea! Seriously, that's like a game-changer as far as I'm concerned. So thanks for that too! 😀
Colleen
Thanks, Sean, (love the gobble). And the melon baller does make meatballing a breeze. Glad I could help 🙂
Elaine @Flavour and Savour
Ground turkey is always a good low-fat option. These ones with Cajun spices will be ideal for a Mardi Gras party. Thanks for sharing.
Colleen
Elaine, a Mardi Gras party sounds like a grand idea! Now you've got me thinking 🙂
Terri@foodmeanderings
I love turkey meatballs and the cajun flavour seems like it would be an excellent pairing!
Colleen
Hi Terri! Yes, I love the Cajun flavour, and meatballs are great with so many other flavours, too.
Karen Ahmed
I love Meatballs! And this recipe looks deeeelicious!
Colleen
Thanks Karen! These meatballs really are yummy. 🙂
Loreto Nardelli
I am one who also lives meat balls. Your idea of the Cajon spice would add such depth of flavor to these protein morsels, and the use of panto crumbs will give you a nice texture to offset the turkey a bit. I would take these over chicken wings because they are healthier and easier to eat. Grest job!
Loreto@Sugarlovespices
Colleen
Thanks Loreto! Love chicken wings, too though 🙂