Juicy Pork Apple Meatballs Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Delight

Succulent pork meatballs dancing with apple sweet tang create a delightful culinary harmony.

The unexpected blend of savory and fruity notes in this pork apple meatballs recipe promises a mouthwatering experience.

Tender ground pork mingles with crisp apple chunks, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Herbs and spices weave their magic, elevating each bite with complex layers of flavor.

These juicy meatballs offer a perfect balance of richness and brightness that will surprise your palate.

Serve them as an appetizer or main course, knowing you’ve crafted something truly special.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure.

FAQs

• Are the apples necessary in these meatballs?

Yes, grated apples add moisture, natural sweetness, and help keep the pork meatballs tender and juicy while providing a subtle fruity flavor.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?

Ground turkey can work, but the meatballs might be slightly drier. Pork has more fat content which helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

• What does the Dijon mustard do in this recipe?

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the apple and cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a more complex taste profile.

Pork and Apple Meatballs: Top Features

• Savor Unexpected Flavor Combinations: Discover the delightful blend of sweet apple and savory pork that creates a unique taste experience in every bite.
• Craft a Quick Gourmet Meal: Whip up an impressive dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen, with minimal cooking skills required.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Enjoy a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a stress-free and delicious gathering.
• Simple One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience with a recipe that uses just one skillet for the entire cooking process, from browning to simmering.

Pork and Apple Meatball Ingredient List

• Ground Pork: A tender and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the meatballs.

• Grated Apple, Egg, Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help keep the meatballs moist and help them hold together with a subtle sweet and tender texture.

• Dijon Mustard, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings add depth, herbal notes, and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Olive Oil, Apple Cider, Chicken Broth: These liquids provide cooking medium and create a rich, flavorful sauce for the meatballs.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, creamy texture to the final sauce.

Steps for Pork and Apple Meatball Success

Step 1: Blend and Shape Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground pork, freshly grated apple, crispy breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, zesty Dijon mustard, fragrant thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Roll the mixture into uniform, bite-sized meatballs, ensuring each one is compact and well-formed.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.

Rotate the meatballs every couple of minutes to ensure even browning, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once beautifully caramelized, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, pour in apple cider and chicken broth.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Stir in heavy cream and bring the liquid to a gentle, bubbling simmer, which will help develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Simmer

Carefully return the seared meatballs to the simmering sauce.

Let them cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and the sauce becomes thick and luxuriously creamy.

The meatballs will absorb the tangy and rich sauce, creating a mouthwatering final dish.

Cooking Tips for Juicy Pork Apple Meatballs

• Use a fine grater to ensure apple pieces blend seamlessly into the meatball mixture, preventing large chunks that might disrupt texture.
• Wet your hands slightly with water when forming meatballs to create smooth, uniform shapes that won't stick to your palms.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for safe consumption, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meatballs every time.
• If sauce is too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch or simmer longer to achieve desired creamy thickness.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to meld together nicely.

Flavor Variations for Pork and Apple Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Maintain all other ingredients and cooking steps.
• Turkey Swap: Substitute ground pork with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Keep apple and seasonings the same for consistent flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a creamy sauce without dairy. Select unsweetened coconut cream for best results.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use crushed pork rinds as binding agent. Reduce apple quantity and pair with cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides.

Serving Suggestions for Pork Apple Meatballs

• Cozy Dinner Date Night: Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a romantic, comforting meal that sparks conversation.
• Autumn Harvest Platter: Arrange meatballs alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts for a colorful, rustic presentation.
• Elegant Appetizer Style: Skewer meatballs with toothpicks, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an impressive party starter that guests will adore.
• Hearty Lunch Solution: Stuff the meatballs into soft crusty rolls with a dollop of extra sauce for a satisfying midday sandwich that breaks away from typical lunch options.

How to Store Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual meatballs or the entire batch tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Gently warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of additional chicken broth or apple cider to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Before serving reheated meatballs, verify internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety and maintain their delicious, juicy consistency.

Pork Apple Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pork apple meatballs bring Nordic comfort to dinner tables with a perfect balance of savory meat and sweet fruit. Fragrant herbs and tender texture invite home cooks to savor this delightful Scandinavian-inspired dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork, not too lean for the best flavor

Fruits and Aromatics:

• 1 sweet apple, freshly grated

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soft breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh apple cider
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Combine ground pork, grated apple, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently knead ingredients until evenly distributed.
2. Form mixture into uniform, compact meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully place meatballs into the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior, cooking for approximately 6-8 minutes total.
5. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
6. Deglaze the same skillet by pouring in apple cider and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized meat fragments from the pan’s bottom.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, allowing the liquid to simmer gently and develop a rich, smooth consistency.
8. Carefully return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
9. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, ensuring meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce thickens to a luxurious coating.

Notes

• Choose lean ground pork for a healthier version of these meatballs, which helps reduce overall fat content while maintaining juiciness.
• Grate the apple fresh to ensure maximum moisture and natural sweetness in the meatballs, preventing them from becoming dry.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive diet adaptation that maintains the recipe’s delicate texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still provides richness and complements the apple and pork flavors perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg