Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Marinara

Well here we are day two of the Holiday Appetizer fest! I’m going to keep them coming for about a week or so. Today’s offering is meatballs…but not any ordinary meatballs we are going to stuff them with fresh mozzarella, which really makes for a pleasant surprise in the middle. It seems to me that meatballs are one of the main go-to appetizers for the holidays; I just thought I would kick them up some. They are perfect for your own party and if you have a crock pot (and who doesn’t) there great to take to any party.

Ingredients

Bread crumbs- ¾ cup

Milk- ¼ cup

Fresh mozzarella- 4 balls (cut in half)

Parsley- ¼ cup (fresh, chopped) + ¼ cup for garnish

Green Onions- 3 tbsp (minced)

Oregano- 1 tbsp (dried)

Egg- 1 LG (beaten)

Ground chuck- 1 pound

Parmesan Cheese- ½ cup (fresh grated for garnish)

Method to the Madness

1)      In a large mixing bowl combine the ground chuck, bread crumbs, milk, parsley, green onions, oregano, and egg. Mix well but don’t over-work.  Shape into 2 ounce balls.

2)      With your thumb make a hole in each meatball and stuff with the mozzarella, and then re-shape into balls.

3)      You have three cooking options. 1) Bake in a 400 oven for 25 minutes then add them to your crock pot with marinara. 2) You can sauté them in a large skillet with some olive oil, make sure you brown them on all sides, then into the crock pot. 3) The best and easiest way is to just add them to the crock pot and let them simmer until cooked through with marinara. For about an hour. I baked mine and served them in a serving bowl.

4 )   Garnish with the Parmesan cheese and parsley.

5)      ENJOY!!

Quick note I will include a link for my Marinara recipe.

http://bit.ly/aTcUGd