Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs with Parsley and Parmesan

Juicy hot honey turkey meatballs with Parmesan and parsley—sweet, spicy, and savory! A healthy, easy dinner ready in 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying, these Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs with Parsley and Parmesan are exactly what you need. Juicy ground turkey is mixed with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs for tender meatballs, then brushed with a touch of sweet heat from hot honey. They’re the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet—ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even appetizers for entertaining.

These baked turkey meatballs come together in less than 30 minutes and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta, serving them over rice, or enjoying them as a high-protein snack, they’re versatile and family-friendly. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re lighter without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is proof that healthy eating can still be completely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these hot honey turkey meatballs—they’re quick, customizable, and full of flavor. The combination of hot honey and Parmesan cheese creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that elevate humble ground turkey into something special.

This recipe is also perfect for busy nights. It takes just a few minutes to mix everything together and bake—no stovetop frying or complicated steps required. You can make a big batch, serve some for dinner, and save the rest for lunch the next day. Plus, these meatballs are freezer-friendly, making them a convenient, protein-rich option to keep on hand for fast meals.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs with Parsley and Parmesan:

• Ground Turkey (1 lb): Lean yet juicy, ground turkey provides a lighter alternative to beef or pork while still delivering plenty of protein.
• Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together and keep them tender.
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Help absorb moisture and give the meatballs structure. You can use regular, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your needs.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of hot honey.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 Tbsp): Deepens the umami flavor and enhances the meatiness of the turkey.
• Hot Honey (1 Tbsp + optional for glaze): The star of the show! Adds a touch of sweetness with a mild kick that balances beautifully with the herbs and cheese. I used Sue Bee.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp) & Onion Powder (½ tsp): Add rich, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (2 Tbsp, chopped): Brightens up the flavor and adds freshness.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

These simple pantry staples come together to create juicy, flavorful meatballs with just the right touch of heat and sweetness.

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How to Make Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Prep your oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot honey, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently using your hands or a spatula until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix—the less you handle the meat, the more tender your meatballs will be.

Step 3: Form the meatballs.
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, roughly 1½ inches in size. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to perfection.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Finish with hot honey.
Optional but highly recommended: Brush the meatballs with a little extra hot honey right after baking for a glossy, sweet-spicy glaze that takes them over the top.

These meatballs can be served immediately or cooled and stored for later.

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How to Store the Recipe

These baked turkey meatballs store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep:

• In the refrigerator: Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or bake directly from frozen for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

If you plan to serve them with sauce—like marinara, honey-garlic glaze, or buffalo sauce—you can reheat the meatballs right in the sauce for added flavor.

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Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meat. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a cookie scoop. This helps portion the meatballs evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
• Add moisture if needed. If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon of milk or olive oil to help keep the meatballs tender.
• Switch up the flavors. Try swapping parsley for cilantro or basil, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Use parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Serve creatively. These meatballs are great over pasta, on rice bowls, or tucked into a sub sandwich with melted cheese and a drizzle of hot honey.

These Hot Honey Turkey Meatballs with Parsley and Parmesan are a perfect blend of bold flavors and easy prep. They’re versatile enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for entertaining. With their golden-brown exterior, tender interior, and a glossy drizzle of hot honey, they deliver the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.

Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a grain bowl, or as an appetizer, these meatballs will quickly become a new favorite in your weekly rotation.

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FAQs

1. What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, creating a sweet-and-spicy condiment that adds instant flavor to savory dishes, pizza, and even desserts. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own by mixing honey with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

2. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time, as lean meats can dry out quickly.

3. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they reach 165°F inside.

4. What can I serve with hot honey turkey meatballs?
They pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or even a crisp salad. For a cozy dinner, serve them over spaghetti with a drizzle of extra hot honey or marinara sauce.

5. How spicy are these meatballs?
The spice level depends on your hot honey brand. Most are mildly spicy, but you can adjust by using more or less, or by mixing it with regular honey for a gentler flavor.