Halloween Mummy Meatballs
These spooky mummy meatballs are baked until golden and juicy, then wrapped with cheesy strips to resemble ghostly bandages. Topped with olive eyes, they create a playful, slightly chaotic dish with a fun, savory flavor profile. Perfect for a festive Halloween party or a hands-on family dinner, they combine crispy, cheesy textures with tender meat inside.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Silicone brush or spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, or vegetarian crumbles
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce optional, for serving
- 10 small black olives sliced into tiny circles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the meat tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, rolling each gently between your palms until smooth and round.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The scent of savory spices and cooked meat will fill your kitchen.
- While the meatballs bake, slice the mozzarella into thin strips and the olives into tiny slices—these will be used for the mummy bandages and eyes.
- Once out of the oven, allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle without falling apart.
- Lay each meatball on a plate and carefully wrap thin strips of mozzarella around it, leaving a small gap for the eyes.
- Press tiny slices of olives into the cheese for eyes, gently embedding them so they stay in place.
- If desired, warm the tomato sauce and spoon a little over each meatball for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Serve the mummy meatballs immediately for best texture, or keep warm in a low oven until ready to enjoy.
Notes
These mummy meatballs are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated gently. Feel free to get creative with the cheese and olive placement for extra spooky effects!