When it comes to dinner, turkey meatballs are a great option because they’re easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
It is a perfect, delicious, and healthier alternative to beef or pork meatballs.
Not only are they leaner than other types of ground meats, but they also have a mild flavor that goes well with many different seasonings and sides.
But when you serve the same side dishes again and again, it can be tempting to head out for takeout instead. So, what to serve with turkey meatballs?
Try these creative and delicious side dish recipes that pair perfectly with turkey meatballs. Here are some ideas to get you started!
What is a turkey meatball? What does a turkey meatball taste like?
A turkey meatball is a type of savory sphere made from ground turkey and other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, onions, bread crumbs, and eggs.
It is often served with pasta or in a sandwich. Turkey meatballs have a mild flavor that is slightly lighter than beef or pork and pairs nicely with subtle herbs and sauces.
They are moist yet firm and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
Best Sides to serve with turkey meatballs
1. Roasted Veggies
Roasting vegetables is the ideal way to bring out their natural sweetness and to ensure they stay nice and crisp.
When served alongside turkey meatballs, the vegetables can be seasoned in a variety of ways that will complement the flavors of the dish.
For example, try roasting zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and bell peppers in olive oil with garlic and rosemary for an earthy flavor profile.
Or mix up your roasted veggies by adding sweet potatoes or carrots for extra texture and sweetness.
2. Couscous
Couscous is a great option if you’re looking for something light but flavorful to serve with your turkey meatballs.
It’s quite easy to prepare and can be cooked in minutes on the stovetop or even in the microwave.
Try seasoning it up by adding some fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, along with diced tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
3. Salad
Salads make great accompaniments to any main course because they provide an array of fresh flavors as well as vitamins and minerals from the greens and other ingredients used in them.
For a simple yet tasty salad that pairs well with turkey meatballs, combine baby spinach leaves with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, feta cheese crumbles, olives, and cucumber wedges.
Then top it off with your favorite vinaigrette dressing!
4. Roasted Broccolini with Garlic & Parmesan
Roasted Broccolini with Garlic and parmesan is a simple side dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
All you need is broccolini, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, and parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and mix together all the ingredients in a bowl.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until broccolini is tender and lightly browned.
The combination of garlic and parmesan gives this dish an amazing flavor that pairs nicely with turkey meatballs!
5. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Potatoes are always a favorite side dish, but this version has an added twist!
To make these potatoes, you will need Russet potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves, fresh rosemary leaves, salt & pepper.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then mix together all ingredients in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
The fragrant herbs give this dish an amazing flavor that complements turkey meatballs perfectly!
Discover More: 8 Great Vegetarian Sides to Serve with Roasted Potatoes
6. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
If You love veggies with some crunchy bacon added in there! You will need Brussels sprouts (halved), bacon (diced), onion (diced), garlic (minced), butter & olive oil.
Heat up butter & olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add bacon & diced onion and sauté until bacon is crispy (about 5 minutes).
Add halved brussels sprouts to the pan along with minced garlic cloves, then season with salt & pepper to taste.
Cook for 8-10 minutes or until brussels sprouts are tender yet still have a slight crunchiness from the bacon bits – yum! This savory dish pairs excellent with turkey meatballs for a complete meal everyone will love!
Main course to eat with turkey meatballs
One of the best main courses to eat with turkey meatballs is a classic Italian dish like spaghetti and meatballs.
This dish is incredibly savory and flavorful, featuring a delicious combination of al dente spaghetti noodles, fresh marinara sauce, and tender turkey meatballs.
The spaghetti provides the perfect base for the juicy turkey meatballs, while the marinara sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
For a richer flavor profile, you can also include freshly grated Parmesan cheese or oregano for an extra kick.
To complete your meal, serve your pasta with a side salad or garlic bread to round out your dinner plate. Enjoy!
Appetizers to serve with turkey meatballs
1. Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant Caprese Skewers
Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant Caprese Skewers appetizers are a great way to start off your meal.
Grilled zucchini and eggplant slices are topped with colorful fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for a delicious flavor combination.
Mizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze for added texture and flavor.
2. Cranberry Brie Crostini
Cranberry Brie Crostini is an elegant appetizer that combines sweet cranberries with creamy brie cheese on crunchy toast for the perfect combination of flavors and textures. (Recipe)
The cranberry glaze adds a hint of tartness that perfectly balances out the richness of the brie cheese.
3. Turkey Meatball Sliders
Mini turkey meatball sliders make an excellent addition to any meal featuring turkey meatballs, as they provide an alternative to traditional dinner rolls or bread that pairs perfectly with the savory taste of turkey meatballs.
Serve these sliders with pickles, onions, tomato slices, lettuce, and your favorite condiments for some creative food presentation that will impress your guests.
4. Spinach Artichoke Dip
A classic dip made from spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and other spices is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering featuring turkey meatballs.
Serve it alongside sliced baguettes or crackers to complete this appetizer treat that is sure to please everyone!
5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles are an easy yet elegant appetizer option to serve alongside turkey meatballs by combining blanched asparagus spears wrapped in thinly sliced prosciutto for an impressive presentation every time!
Sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese before baking for an added flavor boost that will have your guests asking for more!
6. Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Caramelized Onion Tartlets are savory onion tartlets that are bursting with flavor thanks to the caramelization process used in their preparation and filled with colorful chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, or whatever else you desire!
Served warm or cold alongside your main course, these tartlets will surely be gobbled up in no time at all!
Learn More: What To serve with Onion Rings- 30 Amazing Side Dishes
What else is served with turkey meatballs
Drinks to pair with turkey meatballs
1. White Wine & Herb-Roasted Turkey Meatballs
A classic combination of white wine and herbed turkey meatballs is the perfect pairing for a special occasion.
The subtle sweetness of the wine enhances the flavors of the herbs, while the acidity helps to cut through the richness of the turkey. Present this dish with a light green salad to complete your meal.
2. Beer & BBQ Turkey Meatballs
If you prefer an easier approach, try pairing beer with barbeque turkey meatballs.
The smoky sweetness of barbeque sauce will be complemented by the bitterness of beer while still allowing the flavor of the turkey to shine through.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables for an easy-to-make meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
3. Pinot Noir & Mushroom-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Pinot Noir and mushroom-stuffed turkey meatballs are an elegant pairing for any special occasion.
The earthy notes in Pinot Noir complement the umami flavors from mushrooms while still highlighting all of the other ingredients in this flavorful dish.
Serve with cheesy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a delicious meal that is sure to impress your guests.
4. Sparkling Cider & Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Sparkling cider and cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs are an easy way to liven up any special event or gathering.
The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with sparkling cider, creating an unforgettable flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Serve with roasted rosemary potatoes and sautéed Brussels sprouts for a nutritious and delicious dinner option.
5. Chardonnay & Baked Bacon Wrapped Turkey Meatballs
If you’re looking for something more decadent than traditional recipes, try pairing chardonnay with bacon-wrapped turkey meatballs!
The rich buttery notes in chardonnay pair beautifully with the salty smokiness from the bacon, creating a unique flavor experience that will wow any guest at your table!
Serve over buttery mashed potatoes or alongside grilled asparagus and spinach for an unforgettable meal experience!
6. Nonalcoholic Peach Punch & Apricot Glazed Turkey Meatballs
For those looking for a more family-friendly option, try nonalcoholic peach punch paired with apricot-glazed turkey meatballs!
The natural sweetness of peaches perfectly balances out the tart apricots in this dish, creating sweet and savory flavors that make it perfect for any occasion!
Serve alongside steamed rice or roasted root vegetables for a balanced meal full of flavor and nutrition!
7. Hot Apple Cider & Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Last but not least is hot apple cider paired with honey mustard glazed turkey meatballs.
If you prefer Spicer flavors, this combination offers just enough kick without overwhelming their palette – plus, it’s warm enough to cozy up next to on chilly evenings, too!
Pair this dish with wilted greens and crispy roast potatoes for an amazing winter dinner that everyone can enjoy together!
Desserts to go with turkey meatballs
1. Apple Crumble Pie
Apple crumble pie is a delicious and comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with turkey meatballs.
The combination of sweet and tart apples, buttery oats, and cinnamon-spiced flavors creates a warm flavor profile that nicely offsets the savory meatballs.
To make this classic dessert even more special, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
2. Vanilla Custard Tart
A classic French-style custard tart is a delectable way to top off your meal of turkey meatballs.
The creamy custard filling is lightly sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla extract, while the buttery crust adds texture to the dish. Not only does this tart taste great, but its golden color looks beautiful too!
3. Cheesecake
If you crave something sweet yet indulgent after their turkey meatball dinner, cheesecake is an excellent option.
The light but creamy texture and creamy flavor are sure to please any palette.
You can dress it up by incorporating fresh fruit or chocolate chips for added sweetness, or you could keep it plain and simple for a more classic feel.
4. Chocolate Brownies
Turkey meatballs get an extra boost of flavor when they’re served alongside some decadent chocolate brownies!
The rich fudge-like flavor mixed with nuts or other mix-ins is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for dessert lovers alike! Serve them warm from the oven for an extra special treat.
5. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is one of those desserts that just screams Thanksgiving!
This Southern classic captures the flavors of roasted pecans combined with luscious molasses and brown sugar syrup for an unforgettable combination that goes perfectly with turkey meatballs. (Recipe)
Serve up slices of this sugary treat after dinner for a truly memorable ending to your meal!
What are the best flavors to go with turkey meatballs?
Turkey meatballs have a mild flavor that can easily be complemented with strong, contrasting flavors.
Herbs and spices like oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, onion powder, and pepper are all great options for adding flavor to your turkey meatballs.
Another great way to add complexity to your dish is by pairing it with sauces and condiments like tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, pesto, tzatziki, or a yogurt-based sauce.
For an extra zing of flavor, you can also consider ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese or diced jalapeno peppers.
The combination of turkey meatballs with flavorful herbs and toppings will surely make for a delicious meal.
How do you jazz up turkey meatballs?
You can jazz up turkey meatballs by adding herbs and spices like oregano, garlic, parsley, thyme, and onion powder.
You could also mix in some crumbled feta cheese or Parmesan cheese for a salty flavor.
Additionally, you can add marinara sauce or pesto to the top of each meatball before baking.
For a bit of heat, try incorporating some red pepper flakes! Lastly, if you want to add a bit of sweetness, opt for using honey barbecue sauce in place of traditional tomato-based sauces.
Find Out More: 27 Ultimate Side-Dish Guide for Swedish Meatballs
How do you display turkey meatballs on a platter?
Turkey meatballs can be displayed on a platter in many attractive and creative ways.
For starters, the platter should be large enough to fit all of the meatballs comfortably.
The meatballs should be arranged in an even circle with one meatball in the center for a beautiful presentation.
One can also use toothpicks to arrange them into interesting patterns or shapes, like stars or abstract designs.
To add extra color and texture, fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, or sage can be sprinkled over them before serving.
For a more festive look, vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or olives can be added around the edges of the platter and between the gaps of the arranged meatballs.
If desired, one can also drizzle some pesto sauce over the top to give it an extra flavorful punch.
Finally, a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will put the finishing touches on this delicious platter of turkey meatballs.
Wrap Up on what to serve with turkey meatballs.
Whether you’re serving turkey meatballs as part of a weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion meal, there’s no shortage of delicious side dishes that go perfectly alongside them.
From roasted veggies to couscous salads to light salads full of fresh ingredients – these side dishes will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
With so many options available for pairing up delicious side dishes with turkey meatballs – you’ll never run out of ideas again! Experimenting has never been more fun!
FAQs
How much turkey meatball per person?
A serving size of turkey meatballs is usually 3-4 for an average adult.
However, it really depends on each person’s appetite and how the dish is served. If the turkey meatballs are being served as an appetizer, 1-2 per person should suffice.
But if they are part of a larger meal, then you may want to plan for 3-4 per person.
It’s also helpful to note that a typical recipe yields about 12-16 ounces of cooked turkey meatballs, so you can calculate servings accordingly.
What vegetable to serve with Turkish meatballs?
One great vegetable to serve with Turkish meatballs is eggplant.
This versatile vegetable can be seasoned and roasted, fried, or even grilled to bring out the savory and aromatic flavors of the dish.
Eggplant pairs well with other spices and herbs, such as cumin, garlic, oregano, and parsley.
Not only is eggplant an excellent accompaniment to Turkish meatballs, but it’s also an incredibly healthy choice as it’s packed with fiber, vitamins B1 and B6, potassium, folate, magnesium, copper and manganese.
It’s also low in calories, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without guilt!
What pasta to serve with Turkish meatballs?
When it comes to pairing pasta with Turkish meatballs, there are plenty of choices that will make for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Spaghetti is the classic option, as its long shape can catch the juicy sauce from the meatballs.
Fusilli is also a great choice, as its spiral shape holds onto both the sauce and the meatballs for added flavor.
For a unique twist, try using orzo, an Italian-style rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the flavors of the sauce while providing a contrasting texture.
Ravioli makes for an interesting combination, too; filled with cheese or vegetables, they become even more indulgent when combined with savory Turkish meatballs.
For a lighter option, try farfalle – also known as ‘bow-tie’ or ‘butterfly’ pasta – which pairs nicely with light tomato sauces like those used in traditional Turkish recipes.
Lastly, don’t forget about orecchiette – Italian for ‘little ears’ – which holds onto just enough sauce to give your dish an extra zest of flavor without feeling overly heavy or rich.
What goes with meatballs and gravy?
Meatballs and gravy are a delicious and comforting dish that is popular throughout many cultures.
It’s traditionally served over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a bed of noodles. The gravy adds rich flavor and creamy texture, while the meatballs provide substance to the meal.
This classic combination is often accompanied by a variety of other sides depending on regional recipes.
Common accompaniments include garlic bread, roasted bell peppers, pickled onions, freshly sliced cucumbers, or fresh herbs mixed into sour cream.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, adding grated Parmesan cheese will give this dish a nice boost!
What can I serve with meatballs instead of pasta?
There are a variety of side dishes that can be served with meatballs instead of pasta.
Some delicious options include roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts; flavorful salads like caesar or spinach; and mashed potatoes or even roasted potatoes.
For a heartier meal, you might consider serving rice like wild rice pilaf or brown rice, couscous, quinoa, or barley.
Additionally, you could serve some crusty bread to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
There are also many alternative sauces to pair with your meatballs, such as a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, a herby pesto sauce, a rich tomato-based marinara sauce, or even teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
Whatever you choose to serve with your meatballs is sure to be a delicious addition to the meal!
