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.