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Spontaneous Meatball Appetizers

These bite-sized meatball appetizers are quick to prepare using pantry staples, perfect for impromptu gatherings. They come together with ground meat, herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, baked until golden and juicy, with a tender interior and crispy exterior. Their simple, crowd-pleasing appearance makes them ideal for sharing and casual snacking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef preferably with some fat for juiciness
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs day-old bread pulsed in food processor
  • 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for crisping

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small skillet
  • Baking brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined—be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs dense.
  3. Once combined, scoop out small portions and roll them gently between your palms to form uniform meatballs about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They should feel firm on the outside with a slight jiggle inside when pressed lightly.
  5. While the meatballs bake, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When shimmering, place the baked meatballs into the skillet to crisp the outside, turning gently for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden exterior and a slight crunch.
  6. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Let them rest briefly for a minute or two. They should be warm, tender inside, with a crispy exterior—perfect for sharing.

Notes

Feel free to customize by swapping herbs, cheeses, or using gluten-free breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, serve with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.