Ground turkey spiked with Pecking Order, baked firm, then hit with a hot-sweet glaze that clings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Casa M Spice Co® Pecking Order®
- chives, chopped for garnish if desired
Pulling It All Together:
- ½ cup hot sauce (we used Franks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Casa M Spice Co® Chain Reaction®
Method
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01
Set up your oven and pan
2 minPreheat to 475° and line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or parchment. You want everything ready so the meatballs go straight in when they're shaped.
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02
Mix the meatball base
3 minCombine ground turkey, garlic, eggs, panko, and Pecking Order in a large bowl and mix by hand until just combined. Overworking the meat makes them dense and dry — treat it gentle.
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03
Shape the meatballs
5 minRoll portions about the size of a large tablespoon into balls and place on your prepared sheet. Keep them consistent so they cook evenly.
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04
Bake the meatballs
13 minBake at 475° until they hit 165° internal temp — about 13 minutes. You're looking for cooked through, no pink, no guesswork.
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05
Build the spicy glaze
5 minWhile the meatballs are in the oven, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Chain Reaction in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then drop the heat to a simmer — the sugar dissolves and the sauce coats, not pools.
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06
Coat the meatballs
2 minOnce the meatballs are done, turn off the sauce heat and dip each one in using a tablespoon. The glaze clings and sets as they cool slightly.
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07
Plate and garnish
1 minTransfer to your serving dish and top with fresh chopped chives. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
From Mike's Notebook
Don't overwork the turkey mixture or the meatballs turn dense; fold in breadcrumbs last and stop.
Brown sugar needs acid to balance in the glaze — the vinegar does real work here.
Glaze the meatballs in the last five minutes so the sauce stays tacky, not burnt.