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–+ servings
Eyeball Meatballs Recipe

Creepy Eyeball Meatballs Recipe for Spooky Halloween Fun

This Eyeball Meatballs Recipe is a fun and creepy appetizer perfect for Halloween gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use high-quality, 80/20 blend
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Gluten-free varieties can be used
  • 1/4 cup Milk Helps moisten the breadcrumbs
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can be substituted
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, optional
For the Eyeball Decoration
  • 24 pieces Small Mozzarella Balls Bocconcini or Ciliegine
  • 12 pieces Green Olives with Pimentos To create ‘pupils’
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tbsp Red Gel Food Coloring or Hot Sauce For creepy “blood vessels”
Optional Assembly Tools
  • 1 pack Toothpicks For assembling the eyeballs

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet
  • Paper towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes in a mixing bowl. Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into 24 golf ball-sized meatballs, approx. 1½ inches in diameter. Create a deep indent in the center of each meatball.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
  4. Pat the mozzarella balls dry and press olive halves into the center of the mozzarella balls.
  5. Warm marinara sauce in a skillet, gently add meatballs and let them simmer for 5 minutes. Press a mozzarella eyeball into each meatball and add gel food coloring/hot sauce for creepy veins.
  6. Arrange the Eyeball Meatballs on a serving dish, spooning extra marinara sauce around for presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure deep indentations for mozzarella to fit snugly. Involve kids in the decorating process for extra fun.

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