Mummy Meatballs

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright spooky dish for Halloween, look no further than Mummy Meatballs! These adorable little appetizers are a playful twist on classic meatballs, wrapped in strips of dough to look like mini mummies. Not only do they make a great Halloween party snack, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. Think soft, juicy meatballs wrapped in a crispy, golden blanket of dough, with spooky little eyes peeking out. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, preparing a family dinner with a spooky theme, or just getting into the holiday spirit, these mummy meatballs are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for kids and adults alike, mummy meatballs are versatile, fun to eat, and highly customizable. You can make them with your favorite type of ground meat, use pre-made meatballs to save time, or even make them vegetarian by swapping in plant-based alternatives. Plus, the wrapping and decorating process is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, and it’s the perfect Halloween activity for the whole family.

Let’s dive into this fun and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable and festive: These little mummies are the perfect Halloween treat—cute, spooky, and guaranteed to make everyone smile!
• Easy to make: Whether you use homemade or store-bought meatballs, this recipe is simple and quick, with minimal ingredients and prep time.
• Kid-friendly: Mummy meatballs are fun to make and even more fun to eat, making them an excellent recipe to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can use any type of meatball or even go vegetarian, making this recipe flexible for various tastes and dietary preferences.
• Perfect party appetizer: These bite-sized mummies are easy to eat with your hands and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, making them great for any Halloween gathering.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 20-24 mummy meatballs
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal
• Carbs: 10g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Mummy Wraps:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for sprinkling)
• Optional: 1 egg (beaten, for an egg wash)

For the Eyes:

• Small mozzarella or provolone cheese circles (use a straw to cut small rounds from cheese slices)
• Black olives, cut into small pieces for pupils
• Optional: Candy eyes for an extra spooky touch (for non-edible eyes)

Dipping Sauce:

• Marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
• Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined. (Tip: Try not to over-mix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.)
• Step 3: Roll the meatball mixture into 1 ½-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
• Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C). Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the mummy wraps.

2. Create the Mummy Wraps

• Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, unroll the crescent roll dough or pizza dough and use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into thin strips, about ¼-inch wide. These strips will become the mummy’s “bandages.”
• Step 6: Once the meatballs are cool enough to handle, wrap each meatball with the dough strips, leaving small gaps where the meatball peeks through—this will give them that spooky, mummy-like appearance! Be creative with your wrapping; it doesn’t need to be perfect.
• Step 7: Place the wrapped meatballs back onto the baking sheet. If you’d like the dough to have a shiny, golden appearance, brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg (egg wash). Alternatively, you can skip the egg wash and brush them with melted butter before baking.

3. Bake the Mummy Meatballs

• Step 8: Once all of your meatballs are wrapped, return them to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
• Step 9: After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Let the mummy meatballs cool for a few minutes before adding the eyes.

4. Add the Eyes

• Step 10: To give your mummies their spooky eyes, place two small rounds of mozzarella or provolone cheese on each meatball for the whites of the eyes. Then, add a small piece of black olive in the center of each cheese round to create the pupils.
• Step 11: If you prefer a more playful or exaggerated look, use store-bought candy eyes for decoration (just remember to remove them before eating!). These work especially well if you’re serving mummy meatballs as a decorative Halloween centerpiece.

How to Serve Mummy Meatballs

These mummy meatballs are the perfect bite-sized appetizers for your Halloween party, a festive family dinner, or even as a spooky snack. Here are a few fun ways to serve them:

• With dipping sauces: Serve the mummy meatballs with a bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You can also offer a variety of sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy aioli to cater to different tastes.
• On a Halloween platter: Arrange the mummy meatballs on a Halloween-themed platter, surrounded by spooky decorations like plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, or bat-shaped napkins for a fully immersive Halloween experience.
• For a spooky dinner: Serve these mummy meatballs as a main course, paired with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a green salad for a festive, family-friendly Halloween meal.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use store-bought meatballs: If you’re short on time or prefer to keep things simple, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Just heat them according to the package instructions, then proceed with the dough wrapping and baking.
2. Make the meatballs ahead of time: You can prepare and cook the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, wrap them in dough and bake for a quick and easy appetizer.
3. Chill the dough if needed: If your crescent or pizza dough becomes too soft while working with it, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to wrap the meatballs.
4. Get creative with the eyes: If you don’t have black olives on hand, you can use small dots of ketchup or mustard for the pupils, or cut tiny pieces of bell pepper or jalapeño for a colorful twist.
5. Don’t overwrap: When wrapping the dough around the meatballs, try not to cover the entire meatball. Leaving some gaps in the dough gives the mummies a more realistic and spooky look.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many fun ways to customize your mummy meatballs to fit your tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Mummy Meatballs: Substitute the ground meat with plant-based meatballs or make your own using a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs. Wrap and bake them just as you would with regular meatballs.
• Spicy Mummy Meatballs: Add some heat to your meatballs by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle hot sauce over the finished mummies before serving.
• Cheesy Mummy Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside each meatball before baking. The cheese will melt as the meatballs cook, adding an oozy, cheesy surprise!
• Chicken or Turkey Mummy Meatballs: For a leaner option, swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey. Season the meat as usual, and you’ll still get juicy, flavorful meatballs with a lighter twist.
• BBQ Mummy Meatballs: Instead of using marinara sauce, serve your mummies with a side of barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist on the classic recipe.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store any leftover mummy meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs (before wrapping them in dough) for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw the meatballs, wrap them in dough, and bake as directed.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for evenly cooking the meatballs and ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
• Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the meatball mixture and a small bowl for the melted butter or egg wash.
• Pizza Cutter: A pizza cutter makes it easy to slice the dough into thin strips for wrapping the meatballs.

FAQ

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs a day or two ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, then wrap them in dough and bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen meatballs are a great time-saving option. Just heat them up according to the package directions, then proceed with wrapping them in dough.

3. What other types of dough can I use?

Crescent roll dough and pizza dough are both excellent choices, but you can also use puff pastry for an extra flaky, buttery texture.

4. How do I prevent the dough from getting too soft?

If the dough becomes too soft while you’re wrapping the meatballs, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to work with.

Conclusion

Mummy Meatballs are the ultimate Halloween appetizer—easy to make, irresistibly cute, and totally delicious. Whether you’re whipping these up for a Halloween party, serving them at a spooky family dinner, or just enjoying a festive snack, these little mummies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With their crispy dough “bandages” and juicy, flavorful meatball centers, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make!

I can’t wait to see how your mummy meatballs turn out—be sure to share your spooky creations with me! Happy Halloween, and enjoy your hauntingly good treats!

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