Flavor Expedition Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Turkey Bites
March 15, 2024
If tropical vacation vibes and cozy family mornings had a baby, this would be it—meatballs that bring the heat, the sweet, and none of the guilt. Featuring the zesty kiss of Island Sunrise, these turkey-spinach meatballs are perfect for brunch, dinner, or e...
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Feeds
4-5
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for browning)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- Island Sunrise seasoning, to taste (we recommend 2–3 teaspoons)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works great)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F and grab an oven-safe skillet.
-
In the skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, and sauté until soft (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and fennel seeds, and stir for 1 minute until your kitchen smells like you know what you’re doing.
-
Add chopped spinach in batches with another pinch of salt, stirring until wilted and vibrant. Take off heat and let it cool slightly—just like you.
-
In a large bowl, combine milk and panko. Let that soak for a few minutes, then stir in the egg and ground turkey.
-
Spread the turkey mixture out in the bowl (trust the process), then generously sprinkle in Island Sunrise seasoning and the cooled spinach mixture.
-
Use your hands to mix it all together until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough meatballs (and we know you don't).
-
Roll into 1½ inch balls, about 20–22 total.
-
Wipe out the skillet, return it to medium-high heat, and add a thin layer of olive oil. Working in batches, brown your meatballs on all sides until golden. Add oil as needed between batches.
-
Once browned, place all meatballs back into the skillet and pop the whole thing into the oven. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. (Use a thermometer—don’t guess.)
-
Serve hot over spaghetti, with a salad, on a sandwich, or however your meatball-loving heart desires.
These Island Sunrise Turkey Spinach Meatballs are juicy, spicy, a little sweet, and totally addictive. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crew, or just craving something tropical-but-hearty, these balls deliver.

Pro Tip
- These meatballs freeze beautifully—perfect for meal prep or postpartum fuel.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a little honey or pineapple glaze before serving.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or more Island Sunrise to the mix.
Feeds4-5
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
If tropical vacation vibes and cozy family mornings had a baby, thi...
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for browning)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- Island Sunrise seasoning, to taste (we recommend 2–3 teaspoons)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works great)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F and grab an oven-safe skillet.
-
In the skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, and sauté until soft (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and fennel seeds, and stir for 1 minute until your kitchen smells like you know what you’re doing.
-
Add chopped spinach in batches with another pinch of salt, stirring until wilted and vibrant. Take off heat and let it cool slightly—just like you.
-
In a large bowl, combine milk and panko. Let that soak for a few minutes, then stir in the egg and ground turkey.
-
Spread the turkey mixture out in the bowl (trust the process), then generously sprinkle in Island Sunrise seasoning and the cooled spinach mixture.
-
Use your hands to mix it all together until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough meatballs (and we know you don't).
-
Roll into 1½ inch balls, about 20–22 total.
-
Wipe out the skillet, return it to medium-high heat, and add a thin layer of olive oil. Working in batches, brown your meatballs on all sides until golden. Add oil as needed between batches.
-
Once browned, place all meatballs back into the skillet and pop the whole thing into the oven. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. (Use a thermometer—don’t guess.)
-
Serve hot over spaghetti, with a salad, on a sandwich, or however your meatball-loving heart desires.
These Island Sunrise Turkey Spinach Meatballs are juicy, spicy, a little sweet, and totally addictive. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crew, or just craving something tropical-but-hearty, these balls deliver.

Pro Tip
- These meatballs freeze beautifully—perfect for meal prep or postpartum fuel.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a little honey or pineapple glaze before serving.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or more Island Sunrise to the mix.
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