Looking for a tasty, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for all year round? These Sage and Onion Turkey Nuggets are a must-try! With the comforting flavors of sage, onion, and a hint of cranberry, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re easy to make and loaded with macros that will keep you fueled up. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a snack, these turkey nuggets will satisfy your taste buds without any guilt!
Method
Mix the Turkey Mixture
Start by combining the turkey mince with cranberry sauce, garlic granules, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The cranberry sauce adds a subtle sweetness to the turkey, while the garlic granules, onion powder, and thyme infuse the mixture with delicious savory flavors. Once mixed, the turkey mixture should be smooth and evenly seasoned.
Shape the Nuggets
With wet hands, take small portions of the turkey mixture and shape them into bite-sized nuggets. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. The wet hands help prevent the turkey mixture from sticking, making it easier to form the nuggets. Once shaped, place the nuggets on a baking tray lined with baking paper or a tray liner. This will prevent them from sticking to the tray and make cleanup easier.
Freeze the Nuggets
Now, place the baking tray with the shaped nuggets into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Freezing helps the nuggets firm up, which is essential for maintaining their shape during the cooking process. This step ensures that the nuggets stay together when they are coated and baked, preventing any messy breakdowns while cooking.
Coat the Nuggets
After the nuggets have frozen and become firm, it’s time to coat them. Start by dipping each nugget into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, which will help the sage and onion stuffing mix adhere to the surface of the nugget. Finally, coat each nugget with the sage and onion stuffing mix, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. This three-step process flour, egg, and stuffing mix creates a crunchy, flavorful crust on the outside of the nuggets.
Bake the Nuggets
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Once the oven is hot, spray the nuggets with a light mist of olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Place the coated nuggets on a baking tray, making sure they’re spaced out properly to ensure even cooking. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t burn. If they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly and continue baking until they reach the perfect crispy texture.
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Wet cloth or gloves (for shaping nuggets)
- Baking paper or tray liner
- Whisk for egg
- Measuring spoons and cups
Sage and Onion Turkey Nuggets A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy16
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
500g turkey mince
1 tbsp cranberry sauce
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
50g flou
1 egg, whisked
80g sage and onion stuffing mix
Olive oil spray (for baking)
Gravy and creamy cranberry dip to serve
Directions
- Mix the Turkey Mixture In a large bowl, combine the turkey mince with cranberry sauce, garlic granules, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the Nuggets With wet hands, shape the turkey mixture into 16 nuggets. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Freeze Pop the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Freezing helps the nuggets keep their shape during baking.
- Coat the Nuggets Once the nuggets are firm, dip them in flour, then in the whisked egg, and finally coat them in the sage and onion stuffing mix. Make sure they’re evenly covered
- Spray the nuggets with a light mist of olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan) for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Freezing First Make sure to freeze the nuggets before coating them. This step prevents them from falling apart during the baking process and helps them keep their shape.
- Don’t Overcrow the Tray When placing the nuggets on the baking tray, give them some space. Overcrowding can make them cook unevenly and prevent them from getting crispy.
- Monitor Baking Time Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your nuggets as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue baking until golden and crisp.
- Storage Tip Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for later!
Serving Suggestions
These Sage and Onion Turkey Nuggets are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking for a little something extra, here are some great serving ideas
- With Gravy Serve them with a rich, savory gravy for dipping.
- Cranberry Dip The sweet, creamy cranberry dip pairs beautifully with the savory turkey nuggets.
- As a Salad Topper Add them to a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
- In a Wrap Wrap them in a whole-wheat tortilla with some leafy greens and your favorite sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know that turkey is a great source of lean protein and is loaded with nutrients like iron and zinc? Plus, using turkey mince in this recipe makes the nuggets lower in fat compared to using traditional chicken. So, these nuggets aren’t just delicious – they’re nutritious, too!
Conclusion
These Sage and Onion Turkey Nuggets are a delicious, healthy, and fun snack or meal option that you’ll love to make over and over again. With minimal prep time and big flavor, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen! Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick snack, these nuggets are a perfect choice. So, get your ingredients ready and treat yourself to this savory delight today!
