Baked Turkey, Cheese, and Apple Bites

These turkey bites are so fun and easy to make as a yummy, one pan weeknight dish for the entire family!

The mantra I keep in mind when cooking for Cëce girl is nutritious and delicious: recipes that support her growth into a strong and healthy girl, but also support and encourage an interest in exploring different flavors and textures that intrigue her senses.

When it comes to trying new foods, I have one rule: You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to finish it. But you have to try it and give it a shot.

Well, she tried these Baked Turkey, Cheese, and Apple Bites a long time ago and they’ve stood the test of time. This is a quick weeknight recipe that Cecily absolutely loves, and one that Mama loves too because it requires one pan and takes five minutes to prepare for the oven - so I’m excited to share!

These bites are loaded with the textures and flavors of tender, juicy turkey, crisp sweet apples, and sharp, ooey gooey cheese. The addition of a few dried spices many of you may already have in-house and almond flour as a binder gives them a bonus oomph of flavor and density, as well an extra boost of protein and other health benefits.

Whether you’re eating with your hands or utensils, new to solids or a pintsized pro, this recipe is friendly across a wide age range. I started making these when Cecily was fairly new to solids, and I would cut them into very small pieces so she could explore the different elements. Sometimes she favored the sharpness of the cheese, and other times she’d opt for the sweetness of the apple. If you’re making these early into solids, please be sure to chop the apples up into very tiny pieces for safety purposes. I’m sure you already know that, but the mommy in me has to remind you. ;)

These baked bites are ideal for weeknights, family dinners, and those moments when you’re trying to create a nutritious last minute meal for your littles. You can also add them to broths and make soups, or toss them into scrambled eggs the morning after.

If you're looking for the perfect pan for preparing this dish, I love to use my Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan. It's so gorgeous that I typically place it over a beautiful kitchen towel and serve it right out of the pan with a set of large brass serving spoons. If you're having a bigger group and doubling the recipe, make and serve this dish in your Dutchess - she is, after all, born to shine at the center of the table.

If you make these Baked Turkey, Cheese, and Apple Bites for your littles, be sure to tag @threebirdsonestove so I can see how they’re enjoying!

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Yield: 9 Bites

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey meat

1 egg

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 sweet red variety of apple (Honey Crisp, Envy, Fuji, Gala), chopped into small cubes

1 cup sharp cheese (cheddar, gruyere, gouda, colby)

¼ cup almond flour or meal

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix with clean hands to combine. Separate into 9 portions using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, and then roll into balls on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.