Get ready for a spooky treat with these cool eyeball meatballs! Juicy meatballs with a fun twist are topped with olives, making them look like eerie eyeballs. Perfect for a Halloween party!
I love serving these to friends. They always crack up when they see the “eyeballs”! Just pair them with spaghetti and you’ve got a creepy yet tasty dish everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main ingredient for meatballs. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Both will still give great flavor and texture!
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty top. You can use low-fat mozzarella if you prefer, or even cheddar for a different taste.
Olives: Black olives make perfect “pupils” for the eyeballs. If you’re not a fan, try using cherry tomatoes or pickles for a different spin!
How Can I Shape Perfect Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it gently into a ball. Aim for a uniform size, about the same as a golf ball.
- Place each meatball directly in the cooking dish without overcrowding them to ensure even cooking.
Practice makes perfect! If they’re not perfect, don’t worry. They’ll still taste great!
What’s the Best Way to Melt Cheese on Meatballs?
To get that ooey-gooey effect with the cheese:
- After baking the meatballs, add the cheese and olives right before the last few minutes of cooking.
- This helps the cheese melt perfectly without burning. Keep an eye on it!
This technique ensures that the cheese becomes beautifully melty while keeping its shape for that perfect eyeball look!
Cool Eyeball Meatballs Feast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 12 black olives (pitted)
- 12 small slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese (for the “eyeball”)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to create these spooky eyeball meatballs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want tender meatballs!
3. Shaping the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the mixture into 12 evenly-sized meatballs. Aim for a size similar to a golf ball. Place each meatball in the prepared baking dish or skillet, giving them a little space in between.
4. Adding the Marinara Sauce:
Now, pour marinara sauce around the meatballs. They should be mostly surrounded by sauce, but try not to completely submerge them.
5. Cheese Time!
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each meatball, covering them nicely. This will create that delicious cheesy topping!
6. Baking the Meatballs:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meatballs are cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly!
7. Preparing the Eyeballs:
While the meatballs are baking, slice the black olives and mozzarella or provolone cheese. These will be the “whites” and “pupils” of your eyeballs!
8. Finishing Touches:
As soon as the meatballs come out of the oven, carefully place one slice of cheese on each meatball to create the eyeball “whites.” Then, position a black olive slice on top to make the “pupil.”
9. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will help melt the cheese and secure the olive in place!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these spooky eyeball meatballs with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a fun and festive dinner. Enjoy your eerie feast!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter version of these meatballs. Just keep in mind that they might require slightly less cooking time, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Sure! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well for that gooey effect!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can make the meatballs dry!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they go into the oven cold!
