Turkey Cheese Surprise
A savory stuffed turkey dish with cheese, apples, and stuffing, offering a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 c. stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped apple ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning ⓘ
- garlic salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 4 oz. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. dry bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey, stuffing mix, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, chopped apple, and poultry seasoning.
- Add garlic salt, pepper, chopped onions, eggs, and Ricotta cheese. Blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cut Mozzarella cheese into small cubes.
- Form the meat mixture around each cheese cube to create individual stuffed meat portions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the mixture. You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred. If you're short on time, pre-made stuffing mix can save you preparation time, but make sure to check for added seasonings. For a creamy texture, swap Ricotta cheese with cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These Turkey Cheese Surprises make a delightful main course and pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also enjoy them alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty dinner. For a unique twist, serve with a dipping sauce like marinara. They also make a fun addition to a buffet-style meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the stuffed turkey portions in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Cheese Surprise contains roughly 1252 calories, with 22g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these Turkey Cheese Surprises?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed turkey portions. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals in advance!
What can I serve with these stuffed turkey portions?
These stuffed turkey portions are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a side of creamy pasta, such as Creamy Turkey Or Chicken And Pasta Primavera.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Additionally, the meat should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear. This ensures food safety while keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).