🥄 Turkey Protein Bites with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin

These savory turkey protein bites are perfect for meal prep. They’re rich in protein and nutrients from sweet potato and pumpkin, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and customizable with warming spice blends. Ideal for lunchboxes, post-workout meals, or a satisfying snack on the go.

Serves: 3–4 (Makes 12 bites)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients (for Garden, French, Asian, or Bread Spice ver.)

Base:

• 1 lb ground turkey (or substitute ground buffalo or beef)
• 1 cup raw sweet potato, cubed
• ½ tbsp garlic powder or granules
• 2 tsp sea salt

Choose Your Spice Profile (pick one per batch):

Flavor	Spices to Add
Garden Spice	½ tbsp garlic + 1 tbsp rosemary
French Spice	½ tbsp garlic + ½ tbsp fennel seeds + ½ tbsp Herbes de Provence
Asian Spice	½ tbsp garlic + ½ tbsp Chinese 5-Spice + ½ tbsp ground ginger
Bread Spice	½ tbsp garlic + ½ tbsp caraway seeds

🎃 Pumpkin Spice Version:

• 1 lb ground turkey (or substitute ground buffalo or beef)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
• 2 tsp sea salt
• ½ tbsp pumpkin spice

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pulse sweet potato in a food processor until it forms a coarse paste. (Skip this step if using pumpkin purée.)
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients: ground meat, sweet potato paste or pumpkin purée, garlic (omit for pumpkin version), sea salt, and your chosen spice blend.
4. Mix thoroughly by hand until evenly combined.
5. Wash hands well between each step.
6. Form into 12 equal portions:
   • Option 1: Press mixture into a baking dish, flip onto a cutting board, and cut into 12 squares.
   • Option 2: Roll into balls and place in a parchment-lined muffin tin.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let cool before removing from the pan. Bites will shrink slightly as they cool.

🍽️ Serving Ideas for Healthy Protein Bites

• Pair with roasted vegetables or sautéed greens.
• Enjoy with avocado slices or a simple cabbage slaw for a balanced lunch.
• Serve with mustard, hummus, or tahini dressing for dipping.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for later.

🧪 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 3 Bites)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	13g
Fiber	2.5g
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Sodium	380mg

Note: Nutrition estimates vary based on the exact ingredients and spice profile used. Sodium may range from 380–750mg depending on salt and spice choices.

🧪 Nutrition Facts – Pumpkin Spice Ver. (Per Serving – 3 Bites)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	195 kcal
Protein	21g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fiber	1.8g
Total Fat	9.5g
Saturated Fat	2.3g
Sodium	750mg

Note: Nutrition estimates vary based on the exact ingredients and spice profile used. The Pumpkin Spice version tends to be higher in sodium (around 750mg per serving) due to fewer ingredients that dilute salt content.

🌟 Final Thoughts on Turkey Protein Bites

These turkey protein bites are a flavorful and versatile recipe to keep on hand. With gut-friendly ingredients and simple preparation, they make it easy to stay on track with your wellness goals. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a freezer-friendly meal prep idea, or a family-friendly protein option, these bites check all the boxes.