Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe
These Apple Butter Meatballs combine tender turkey sausage and ground beef with a sweet and tangy apple butter glaze for a perfect appetizer or party snack. The meatballs are baked to juicy perfection and finished with a flavorful sauce made from apple butter, beef broth, honey, and a hint of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated red onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups gluten free panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Cayenne pepper, 1-2 dashes
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Onions: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the grated onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the turkey sausage, ground beef, gluten free panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup apple butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, black pepper, and allspice. Once the onions have cooled, fold them into the meat mixture and mix thoroughly by hand until evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Divide the mixture into one-ounce portions and roll tightly into meatballs. Arrange the meatballs closely on the prepared baking sheet, without touching. You should get about 40 to 45 meatballs.
- Bake Initial Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 15 minutes to cook them through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of apple butter, beef broth, honey, and 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes, remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the apple butter sauce evenly over the top, making sure each meatball is coated. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes to let the sauce set and meatballs finish cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked through, gently shake the baking sheet to loosen the meatballs. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish accompaniment.
Notes
- Using gluten free panko keeps the recipe gluten free.
- You can substitute ground pork for turkey sausage if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spice level.
- Make sure to cool the sautéed onions before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- These meatballs reheat well, making them great for make-ahead entertaining.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/apple-butter-meatballs-recipe/