Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Bites
Put a twist on classic meatballs - by stuffing 'em with mozzarella! These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Bites are a fun combination of meatballs and pizza!
Servings: 12 meatballs
Calories: 193kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ medium white onion finely diced
- 8 oz. ground beef
- 8 oz. ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley minced
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 12 cherry-sized mozzarella balls ~4 oz.
For the Bites
- 12 oz. refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- marinara sauce for dipping
- chopped fresh basil or fresh parsley for garnishing
Instructions
For the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Using a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk; let soak for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a medium frying pan and place over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until onions begin to soften.
- Transfer onions bowl with bread crumbs. Add all of the remaining meatball ingredients except for mozzarella balls (beef, pork, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper and Parmesan cheese). Mix until just combined. (Tip: Take care not to overmix or the meatball may be tough.)
- Divide mixture into 12 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, flatten meatball mixture into the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella ball in the middle and wrap the meatball mixture around the mozzarella. (Note: Take care to ensure the mozzarella ball is completely enclosed inside meatball.) Place meatballs 1” apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked.
For the Bites
- Divide pizza dough into (12) 1-oz. pieces. Roll each piece into a 3”x3” circle. Place one meatball into middle of each circle and then wrap dough around meatball, pinching edges to seal. Place dough-wrapped meatballs on a clean parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Using a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasonings, kosher salt and garlic powder. Brush this mixture evenly on top of each meatball bite.
- Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. If desired, garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving
Notes
Adapted from Beef Its What’s For Dinner.
Store-bought meatballs can be used for this recipe, but the homemade ones are highly recommended!
Nutrition
Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
