I Make the Best Meatballs—and Now I’m Finally Sharing My Secret

Homemade meatballs are weeknight dinner superstars in my house. We enjoy a solid rotation of beef, Italian sausage, and turkey meatballs prepared in traditional, Italian, or Greek styles. A favorite that I keep coming back to is a baked turkey iteration with chopped peppers and onion—and a secret ingredient that takes the meatball to the next level: everything bagel seasoning.

For me, the super-sized container of Everything Bagel Seasoning from Costco or Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is the way to go. The fragrant confetti of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt flakes brightens and adds texture to most savory dishes. 

I always have a hefty shaker of everything bagel seasoning at arm’s length when I’m cooking. I use it often and generously on eggs, in pasta and dips, and to give salads a fun boost.

My 1-Ingredient Secret to the Best Meatballs

Adding this everything bagel seasoning to baked turkey meatballs is simple and impactful. Here’s why it works so well:

• Savory depth: Garlic and onion give mild (some may say boring) turkey a bold, roasted, slow-cooked flavor.
• Crunch and texture: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds add little pops of nuttiness and crunch to the meatball.
• Toasty, rich comfort: There’s a familiarity in the spices that reminds us of a cozy bakery, adding a bit of indulgence to the simple, lean protein meatball.

My Baked Turkey Meatball Recipe

Makes: 12 meatballs
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2  cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, and pepper. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overwork them.
3. Form meatballs: Scoop and roll into golf-ball-sized portions and place on baking sheet.
4. Lightly sprinkle the tops with the remaining everything bagel seasoning.
5. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until cooked through (165 degrees F internal temp).
6. Rest meatballs for 5 minutes before serving.

Turkey Meatball Serving Ideas

• Mix in chopped spinach, crumbled feta, or diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired meatball. Serve with tzatziki or a garlic yogurt sauce.
• Chop and add green bell peppers, fresh parsley, and finely shredded Parmesan to Italian-style meatballs. Serve with marinara sauce.
• For a traditional meatloaf-style ball, use chopped onion and breadcrumbs and serve meatballs with a honey-mustard or ketchup-based dipping sauce.
• Wrap turkey meatballs in Mediterranean pita pockets with hummus for tasty gyro-style handhelds.
• Serve on a toasted hoagie roll with red sauce and melted provolone for an Italian sub-style meal.

More Ways To Use Everything Bagel Seasoning

• Sprinkle on avocado toast.
• Jazz up mac and cheese.
• Add texture and flavor to sautéed veggies.
• Take scrambled or fried eggs up a notch.
• Add to cold pasta salads right before serving.
• Give coleslaw a flavor kick.
• Add a dash to roasted smashed Brussels sprouts.