Have you ever eaten at a restaurant while traveling and loved a menu item so much you wished you could recreate it at home? That’s what happened after a meal at Aureole at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas when I tried their delectable turkey meatballs recipe. They were one of the many appetizers we sampled and a standout favorite of our whole party.
Well, guess what? Chef Charlie Palmer was kind enough to share the recipe for those killer meatballs with me, and what’s mine is yours.
You’re welcome.
The turkey meatballs recipe Chef Palmer provided includes ingredients all of us can find (like prosciutto) as I’d guess Aureole serves a top-notch Spanish ham (jamón ibérico) or something similar, so naturally, you should make a point of going to Aureole at Mandalay Bay for the complete restaurant experience. It’ll be worth it!
Aureole has a four-story wine tower with wine angels, for one thing. While you’re dining, you’ll see the wine angels acrobatically ascending by cable to grab a bottle or two from Aureole’s impressively vast wine selection.
And the food is inventive, flavorful and wildly delicious… like those turkey meatballs I can’t stop talking about. But those meatballs were just the beginning of the culinary experience at Aureole.
We also enjoyed grilled flatbread with a trio of savory dipping sauces: hummus, baba ganoush and tzatziki.
A beet salad, as beautiful as it was delicious.
Hand-made fettucini with Parmesan and truffle foam.
And my seemingly simple vegetable lasagna entree made with spinach pasta, butternut squash, mascarpone and sage offered a complex flavor profile with each new bite.
I told ya. You have got to get to Aureole in person.
Needs. to. happen.
Turkey Meatballs Recipe from Aureole
But back to Chef Palmer’s recipe for turkey, ham and swiss meatballs. Chef shared his tips for making them: “I often cook meatballs at home. I love the traditional Italian style, but this version is a fun spin on a classic. My advice when preparing meatballs is to be very generous with the ingredients – more egg makes them moister, more cheese and bread crumbs give the meatballs more flavor and density. Lastly, always make extra – you can always freeze them!”
Did I tell ya they’re stuffed with Swiss cheese? Of course, that turns hot and melty and becomes one with the meatball.
Then you’ll steam the meatballs so they’re half-way cooked.
And then you’ll brown them and let them cook the rest of the way through.
These delectable turkey meatballs can be served as an appetizer or you can make a whole meal of it. I’ve served them with hot buttered noodles and also with rice — both are yummy!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 16 oz ground turkey
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 oz panko bread crumbs
- ¾ oz black garlic peeled and finely chopped
- 6 oz swiss cheese medium dice
- 8-10 pc sliced prosciutto
- Salt + pepper to taste
Green peppercorn sauce
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 8 oz heavy cream
- 20 pieces green peppercorn
- 1 oz cognac or brandy
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, combine turkey, eggs, bread crumbs, black garlic, and salt and pepper. Combine until everything is well incorporated, but do not overmix. (Tip: test the seasoning by steaming a small portion and adjusted if needed.)
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Form meatballs into 3 oz portions.
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Stuff each portion with a cube of cheese and roll the meatball.
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Chill until firm.
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In a steamer or covered sauté pan with a wire rack, steam the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes to cook half way.
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Saute the meatballs in olive oil until brown on outside. Check for doneness.
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To serve, place meatballs in bowl, top with green peppercorn sauce and slices of prosciutto.
Green Peppercorn Sauce
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Sweat shallot over medium heat until soft. Deglaze pan with cognac (or brandy) and reduce until almost gone.
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Add heavy cream and peppercorns and reduce until you have a good, sauce-like texture. Add slt and pepper to taste.
Try this home version turkey meatballs recipe from Chef Charlie Palmer, but on your next trip to Vegas make a point of visiting Aureole at Mandalay Bay for the complete wine restaurant experience!
Betsy Barnes says
This is really a unique meatball recipe. I never considered combining anything along with meatballs, it really adds to the appeal!
Hesper Fry says
I have never tried turkey meatballs, but this recipe looks so good!
Alissa Apel says
We did a flatbread, smoked salmon, olives, and feta this morning. Nom Nom!
These look great!
Antoinette M says
These meatballs are amazing and the Swiss cheese in the center is a nice twist!
Elena says
This recipe looks amazing! I am going to try this. Thanks for sharing
Jessica w. says
The next place I want to go is Vegas. Thanks for the suggestion, I will try to dine at Aureole when I do.
Minta Boggs says
These look really good. I wish could plate food like that. I do take a lot of food pictures though, lol, What kind of camera did you use as those pics are really sharp looking.
Tara says
All of the food looks delicious. I would love to dine at Aureole. Thank you for sharing the meatball recipe. I can’t wait to make them.
Erin S says
I bet these are delicious. We frequent Vegas and love to try new places to eat each time
Claudia Krusch says
They look amazing! I can’t wait to try your recipe! Love the cheese and turkey combination!
Jeni Hawkins says
What an amazing combination! I would totally eat these up in a second! Turkey, cheese AND ham? YES, PLEASE!
Deanna Marissa says
Your pics are so tempting! My kids and hubby loves turkey. This recipes looks so yummy and easy to cook. Can’t wait to cook this dish for my family. Thanks!
bianca says
I like the idea of cheese in the middle. I’d much rather use turkey burger instead of hamburger, as it’s leaner. Great recipe!
shelly peterson says
This looks like a recipe my son would love. He uses ground turkey all the time.
Melissa Chapman says
You take such initiative to go to a restaurant and then recreate the best recipe they make with perfection. Cheese on the inside of the meatball is another great technique you showed us.
mami2jcn says
They look amazing! I’ve made turkey meatballs before but they’ve been too dry. I’ll try this and give it a whirl.
Nicole says
Wow this looks amazing! I have never had meatballs wrapped in ham and swiss cheese. Sounds like a great combination!
Dana Rodriguez says
That looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Carolsue says
That’s an interesting looking recipe! I am always trying to re-create restaurant recipes!