Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made meatballs for my husband after his gluten sensitivity diagnosis. I had always used breadcrumbs from the pantry, never thinking twice.
But that night, as I shaped each one by hand, I knew I had to reimagine a family classic in a way that wouldn’t make him feel left out.
This turkey meatballs gluten free recipe became our new go to, flavorful, juicy, and just as comforting as the original. Whether tucked into pasta, simmered in sauce, or served with mashed potatoes, these gluten-free meatballs are the kind of food that makes any night feel like home.

Turkey Meatballs Gluten Free Recipe – Juicy, Easy, Versatile
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake, Simmer
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Swedish
Description
This turkey meatballs gluten free recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. No breadcrumbs needed—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or comforting Italian or Swedish-style dinners.
Ingredients
1½ lbs ground turkey
1 large egg
½ cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: ½ tsp dried oregano or basil for Italian variation
Optional: ½ tsp nutmeg and 1½ cups almond milk for Swedish-style sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, parsley, oil, and seasonings. Mix gently.
3. Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
5. For Italian: Simmer baked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes.
6. For Swedish: In a skillet, create a roux with olive oil and gluten-free flour. Slowly whisk in almond milk. Season with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire. Simmer until thickened. Add meatballs and heat through.
7. Serve warm with gluten-free pasta, potatoes, or rice.
Notes
You can freeze these before or after baking for future meals.
To make them dairy-free, use almond milk in the sauce and skip cheese.
Add red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for spicier flavor.
Serve alongside gluten-free garlic bread or zoodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Why This Turkey Meatballs Gluten Free Recipe Works
turkey meatballs No Gluten, No Dryness
Ground turkey is lean, which means it needs help staying moist. That’s why this turkey meatballs gluten free recipe uses almond flour or crushed gluten free crackers in place of breadcrumbs.
It binds everything together while locking in moisture, keeping the meatballs soft and juicy, not dry or crumbly.
A touch of olive oil and egg gives them structure without sacrificing tenderness.
turkey meatballs Easy to Adapt
What I love most is how flexible this turkey meatballs gluten free recipe is. You can keep it basic with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt, or dress it up Italian-style with basil and marinara.
If you’re craving comfort, Swedish style is rich and satisfying with a creamy sauce. And yes, these freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
For a complete comforting dinner, pair them with something classic like this Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala Recipe, you’ll have leftovers and happy faces.
Gluten Free Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe
When you’re looking for a reliable, everyday version of this turkey meatballs gluten free recipe, this one keeps it clean, moist, and incredibly satisfying.
No breadcrumbs needed, just pantry staples and a few fresh touches to bring out the flavor of the turkey.

gluten free ground turkey meatballs recipe Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup almond flour (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
This base works beautifully for building other flavor profiles, Italian or Swedish, but on its own, it’s the perfect weeknight bite.
gluten free ground turkey meatballs recipe Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, parsley, oil, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined, don’t overwork.
- Form into 1½-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Arrange on the prepared sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Optional: brown briefly under broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
These freeze well before or after baking. To serve with sauce, toss in a warm pan of marinara or reheat in broth. They’re also amazing served next to our creamy Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe for a rich, family style dinner.
Gluten Free Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
There’s something deeply comforting about Italian meatballs bubbling in red sauce.
This variation of our gluten free italian turkey meatballs recipe is rich, garlicky, and perfect for spooning over gluten free pasta or piling onto a toasted roll.

gluten free Italian turkey meatballs Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup almond flour or gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup dairy-free grated parmesan (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) gluten-free marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
This Italian version turns out tender and flavorful, with no wheat and no compromise.
gluten free Italian turkey meatballs Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a mixing bowl, combine turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, herbs, parmesan (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape into 1½-inch balls. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly browned and firm.
- While they bake, warm marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Transfer baked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes, letting them soak up the flavor.
Serve with gluten free spaghetti, zoodles, or soft rolls.
For another nostalgic and hearty option, try our Recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie to complete the comforting theme.
Gluten Free Swedish Turkey Meatball Recipe
Swedish meatballs are all about richness and warmth, and yes, you can absolutely make a gluten free swedish turkey meatball recipe that delivers the same comfort without the gluten (or dairy).
This version is smooth, savory, and surprisingly light.

gluten free swedish turkey meatball Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1½ lbs ground turkey
- ½ cup almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp gluten-free flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
gluten free swedish turkey meatball Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Mix gently, then form into small meatballs and place on the sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil or vegan butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in almond milk.
- Add Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cooked meatballs into the sauce and simmer 5–10 minutes until coated and warm.
Serve these over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or rice. For a crispy starter or side, pair with our Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders Recipe and enjoy a truly comforting dinner.
turkey meatballs gluten free recipe Conclusion
This turkey meatballs gluten free recipe has become more than just dinner, it’s a way of holding on to comfort food while honoring the dietary needs of the one you love.
Whether baked plain, served in sauce, or simmered Swedish style, these meatballs are tender, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile.
I make them because they bring something familiar back to the table. But more than that, I make them because food, when made with intention, always says “you matter.”
Frequently Questions turkey meatballs gluten free recipe
What can you use instead of breadcrumbs in turkey meatballs?
Crushed gluten free crackers, almond flour, or gluten free rolled oats make excellent alternatives.
These binders help hold shape and add moisture to your gluten free turkey meatballs recipe.
What is a gluten-free substitute for breadcrumbs in meatballs?
Almond flour is our go to, it’s naturally gluten free and gives a soft texture without drying the meat.
You can also use crushed cornflakes or certified gluten-free oats, depending on your preference.
How do you keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
The key is balance. Too much moisture or overmixing makes them crumble. Use an egg and a dry binder like almond flour or gluten free breadcrumbs, and gently shape the balls without compacting them too much.
What is the best gluten-free flour for meatballs?
Almond flour, oat flour, or a mild gluten free all purpose blend works well.
For sauce thickening (like in Swedish meatballs), cornstarch or rice flour gives a smooth finish.