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Greek-inspired Meatball Appetiser

Greek-inspired Meatball Appetisers

Quick, healthy, and utterly delicious Greek-inspired Meatball Appetisers that are packed with flavour, easy to whip up, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb Ground Lamb (or beef, or a lamb/beef mix)
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Fresh Mint
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For Serving (optional):
  • Pita Bread warmed
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Feta Cheese crumbled
  • Kalamata Olives halved
  • Lemon wedges

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Oven
  • Pan

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, gently mix together all meatball ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  3. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. Alternatively, meatballs can be pan-fried in a little olive oil over medium heat until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm with pita bread, tzatziki, feta, olives, and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

The key to tender and flavorful meatballs is not overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs. Gently combine everything until just incorporated. Fresh herbs are a must for that authentic Greek flavour, but if you're short on time, you can substitute dried herbs (use about half the amount). Don't skip the cumin; it adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other flavors perfectly. To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. For an extra flavour boost, try searing the meatballs in a hot pan before transferring them to the oven to finish cooking. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more moist and flavourful meatballs. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature Greek-inspired meatball appetizer.