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Eyeball Meatballs

Eyeball Meatballs: Spooky Fun for Your Halloween Feast

Create these Eyeball Meatballs for a spooky Halloween treat that's easy and delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend) Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • 0.25 cup Milk Almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large Egg No substitutions recommended.
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Try nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Essential for a classic taste.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning No substitutions needed.
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Adjust as desired.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped) Basil or oregano can also be used.
For the Eyeballs
  • 24 small Mozzarella Balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) Regular mozzarella cut into cubes is an option.
  • 24 Green Olives with Pimentos Black olives can be used for a different look.
For the Sauce
  • 1 jar Marinara Sauce Look for low-sodium versions if preferred.
  • Red Gel Food Coloring or Hot Sauce Optional for 'veins' on mozzarella balls.
Extras
  • Toothpicks Essential for assembly and showcasing.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • large bowl
  • skillet
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

How to Make Eyeball Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into about 24 golf ball-sized meatballs, roughly 1½ inches in diameter. Create slightly larger indents in the center of each meatball to hold the 'eyeballs' later.
  3. Place the formed meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
  4. Pat the mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel. Cut each green olive in half and press each half onto a mozzarella ball to create the 'pupil'.
  5. In a skillet, gently warm the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the freshly baked meatballs and simmer for about 5 minutes. Press the mozzarella 'eyeballs' into the meatballs.
  6. If desired, use toothpicks dipped in red gel food coloring to draw creepy veins on the cheese.
  7. Carefully arrange your Eyeball Meatballs on a serving dish with extra marinara sauce for dipping, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

These Eyeball Meatballs are customizable and perfect for Halloween gatherings! Serve with themed sides for extra spookiness.

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