Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey (Printable)

Lighter turkey loaf bursting with fresh herbs and savory flavors, ideal for family dinners and gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 2 pounds ground turkey (mixed dark and white meat preferred)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, grated
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced

→ Fresh Herbs

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

→ Binder & Seasoning

10 - 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute rolled oats for gluten-free option)
11 - 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
14 - 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Topping

17 - 1/3 cup ketchup
18 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
19 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Allow to soak for 5 minutes.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until just combined; avoid overmixing.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
06 - In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the meat mixture.
07 - Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Lighter than traditional meatloaf yet flavorful
  • Perfect for family gatherings and weeknights
02 -
  • For extra moisture add 1/4 cup grated zucchini or use a mix of dark and white turkey meat
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version
03 -
  • Do not overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices
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