Mummy meatballs are a playful way to enjoy a familiar comfort food with a spooky twist. They’re perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun dinner that kids and adults will love. The best part? They’re simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight, with ingredients you probably already have.
Why I Keep Coming Back to These Mummy Meatballs
They remind me of childhood Halloweens and lazy weekend dinners. The messy, cheesy ooze is oddly comforting, a reminder that simple ingredients can turn into something fun. Plus, they’re versatile—play with the spices or serve with different sides to keep it fresh. Each batch feels like a small victory in the chaos of weeknights.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
- Ground beef:: Juicy, rich, and perfect for shaping. Switch to ground turkey for leaner meat, but watch for dryness.
- Breadcrumbs:: Bind everything together. Use panko for extra crunch or crushed crackers for a flavor twist.
- Parmesan:: Adds salty umami. Pecorino works well if you want a sharper edge.
- Egg:: Acts as a binder. Flaxseed egg can be a vegan swap.
- Parsley:: Fresh and bright. Cilantro adds a different herbal note.
- Salt & pepper:: Basic seasonings—adjust to taste.
- Optional spices:: Paprika, chili flakes, or cumin for a smoky or spicy kick.
Tools & Equipment for Mummy Meatballs
- Mixing bowl: Combine all ingredients evenly.
- Baking sheet: Hold the meatballs while they bake.
- Parchment paper: Prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Meatball scoop or spoon: Shape uniform-sized meatballs.
- Oven thermometer: Ensure accurate baking temperature.
Crafting the Perfect Mummy Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball.
Step 4: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Best Results
- Meatballs should be firm but tender, with a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Golden brown tops indicate they’re cooked through, but use a thermometer to check for 70°C (160°F).
- If they crack open during baking, add a tiny splash of milk to the mixture next time.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Dry, crumbly meatballs.? USE TOO MUCH BREADCRUMBS?—Add a splash of milk to keep the mixture moist.
- Burnt or overcooked tops.? OVEN TOO HOT?—Lower the temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Undercooked centers.? MEATBALLS ARE SOGGY?—Bake a few minutes longer or increase oven heat slightly.
- Cracked, uneven meatballs.? MEATBALLS CRACK OPEN?—Chill the mixture before shaping.
Mummy Meatballs
Mummy meatballs are playful, bite-sized beef balls wrapped with cheese or bacon to resemble mummies, baked until golden and crispy. The mixture combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, resulting in tender, flavorful meatballs with a fun spooky appearance. They’re perfect for Halloween parties or a fun family dinner with a cheesy, gooey finish.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Meatball scoop or spoon
- Oven thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko works well
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional spices paprika, chili flakes, or cumin for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently until well incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Using a meatball scoop or a spoon, shape the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for even baking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling as they bake and see a beautiful crust forming.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. If adding cheese or bacon for the mummy wrapping, prepare those now.
- If using cheese slices or strips, cut them into thin strips to mimic mummy bandages. Wrap each meatball with the cheese, leaving small gaps to resemble mummy wrappings, and add small dollops of cheese for the 'eyes' if desired.
- Place the wrapped meatballs back in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to bubbly slightly, creating that gooey, spooky effect.
- Take the meatballs out of the oven and let them cool just slightly. Serve warm, with extra cheese or dipping sauces on the side for added fun and flavor.
Notes
For extra spookiness, add small olive slices or peppercorns as eyes under the cheese wrapping. You can also experiment with different cheeses or spices for varied flavors.
