Pork “Eye” Meatballs

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These juicy pork meatballs get a spooky makeover: each one is topped with a slice of white cheese as the “eye,” then finished with black olive slices for the iris and pupil. They’re savory, playful, and perfect for Halloween parties or a fun family dinner.

Servings

~20 meatballs

Ingredients

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Small cookie cutter or round cutter (optional, for cheese circles)

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground pork
1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons onion, finely grated or minced
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

For the "Eyes"

5 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese (cut into ~1-inch rounds)
10 black olives (pitted, cut into thin slices)

Products in This Recipe

55150 GroundPork NoMAQ3 e1744216678450 |

Ground Pork 80/20

Extra Spooky

Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom half of a roll, add the “eye” meatball on top, then finish with the top bun and secure it with a toothpick for a spooky sandwich effect.

Instructions

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork or they’ll be tough.

Shape the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange evenly spaced on the sheet (makes about 20).

Bake: Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).

Add the “Eyes”: Remove meatballs from the oven. While still hot, top each with a small cheese circle. Let the heat from the meatballs melt the cheese slightly so it sticks.

Finish the Iris & Pupil: Place one slice of black olive (iris) on top of the cheese. Press lightly so they adhere.

Serve: Arrange meatballs on a platter — they’ll look like a tray of spooky little eyes staring back at your guests!

Cheese Hack

Use a small round cutter or the rim of a shot glass to punch neat circles from sliced cheese.

Reviews

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