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Light Turkey Cheese Ball Bites: 10-Minute Friendsgiving Appetizer

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These Light Turkey Cheese Ball Bites are a healthier twist on a classic appetizer, combining lean ground turkey with creamy cheese and a crunchy pecan coating. Ready in just 10 minutes, they’re perfect for Friendsgiving or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 works best)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Additional fresh chives for garnish (optional)
  • Whole wheat crackers or cucumber slices for serving
  • Celery sticks or bell pepper strips for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground turkey: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Let cool for a few minutes.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  3. Mix the cheese base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, dried dill, chives, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add the turkey: Add the cooled ground turkey to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed. If too wet, add a tablespoon of almond flour or breadcrumbs.
  5. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  6. Prepare the coating: While the mixture chills, combine the finely chopped pecans and fresh parsley on a small plate. Mix together.
  7. Form the cheese balls: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on the parchment-lined sheet.
  8. Coat the cheese balls: Roll each cheese ball in the pecan-parsley mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Place coated balls back on the parchment sheet.
  9. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the coated cheese balls for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up and meld flavors. Can be made a day ahead.
  10. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with additional fresh chives if desired. Arrange on a platter with crackers, cucumber slices, or veggie sticks. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t overcook the turkey; cook just until no longer pink. Let turkey cool completely before adding to cheese mixture. Use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Wet hands slightly if mixture sticks. Make coating ahead for convenience. Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cheese ball bites, Friendsgiving appetizer, light cheese ball, healthy appetizer, turkey appetizer, easy party snack

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/light-turkey-cheese-ball-bites-10-minute-friendsgiving-appetizer/