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Home » Appetizers and Party Fare » Homemade Italian Meatballs

Homemade Italian Meatballs

Last updated on September 29, 2017. Originally posted on February 1, 2015 by Lalaine. 52 Comments

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Italian Meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!

Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!

Planning your Superbowl shindig? Guys, these Italian meatballs are a must! Plump, juicy, moist and flavorful, they’re a guaranteed party hit.

I usually serve them with different kinds of sauces such as BBQ, sweet and sour, and marinara on the side so everyone can help themselves to the flavor boosts they like. Guests seem to appreciate the choices because these delicious appetizers are the first to go at every gathering I bring them to!

If you’re looking for meatballs that are super tender and carry big flavors, these simple tips will help:

  • Use equal parts of ground pork and ground beef for a good ratio of fat.
  • Grate the onions instead of chopping for an extra depth of flavor and moisture.
  • Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds along with the other herbs to nicely complement the ground pork.
  • To keep the meatballs moist and tender, bind the meat mixture with bread soaked in milk.
  • Mix ingredients until just combined. Do not over manipulate the meat mixture and do not pack the meatballs too tightly or they will turn tough and rubbery.
  • Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion and easily shape the meatballs.

Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!

These Italian meatballs are not only great as party appetizers but are amazing served swimming in a hearty tomato sauce over a bed of pasta. They are wonderful sandwiched between sturdy French loaves and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Whichever way you serve them, they’re sure to please hearty appetites!

Good thing the recipe can be easily doubled and the meatballs keep well in the freezer. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm and then transfer to resealable bags or airtight containers for future use.

Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!
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Italian Meatballs

4.1 from 10 votes
Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 480kcal
Author: Lalaine

Ingredients

  • 2 slices sourdough bread, crust removed
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 onion, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with foil.
  • In a bowl, combine bread and milk.  Mash together and soak for about 10 minutes or until bread is moistened and paste like. 
  • In a bowl, whisk together egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork and gently break up to chunks. 
  • Add bread, egg mixture, Reggiano cheese, onions, Italian parsley, and fennel seeds. Gently mix together until just combined. DO NOT OVER HANDLE AND OVER MIX.
  • Using a scoop, portion meat mixture. With lightly oiled hands, shape meat into the size of a golf ball by rolling between the palm of hands. 
  • Arrange meatballs in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake meatballs in a 425 F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until internal temperature of 160 F is reached. 
  • Remove from pan and keep warm. Serve with marinara, BBQ or sweet and sour sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 1045mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 800IU | Vitamin C: 13.2mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 3.6mg
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see what you made!mention @Onionringsandthings and hashtag photo with #onionringsandthings
Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!
Italian meatballs perfect as party appetizers with dipping sauces or served over pasta with hearty marinara sauce. Learn the easy tips on how to make them super moist and flavorful!

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Party Fare, Meat and Poultry Tagged With: beef, bread, cheese, egg, ground beef, ground pork

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Lalaine from The Recipe Pot

Hello! My name is Lalaine and Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Read more...

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ankita Bardhan says

    September 4, 2017 at 12:20 am

    5 stars
    I just love meatballs! Thank you for sharing this easy and delicious recipe, I am going to try it soon 🙂
    xx

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:22 am

      Thank you! I hope you enjoy this recipe ?

      Reply
  2. Darleen Redman says

    September 3, 2017 at 6:21 am

    This recipe looks absolutely divine. If I was more of a cook I would try it out. I am loving all the recipes that you are sharing.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:23 am

      Thanks Darlene. I hope you try some of my recipes sometime 🙂

      Reply
  3. Via Bella says

    August 31, 2017 at 5:49 am

    I haven’t done homemade meatballs for years. I will have to try this out because nothing beats homemade!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:28 am

      I agree, Via Belle, homemade is best! I hope you enjoy this recipe.

      Reply
  4. Airra P says

    August 30, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    definitely perfect for parties or movie time w/ my bf or friends! and as someone who doesnt like to cook, this looks eaasy to make! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:29 am

      Exactly! These are perfect finger foods!

      Reply
  5. David Elliott says

    August 30, 2017 at 9:07 am

    Meatballs are one of my daughters favorite things to eat in the world. Whether they are Swedish or Italian, she loves them all. I will definitely have to be trying out this recipe.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:31 am

      Thanks David. I hope these become her new favourite.

      Reply
  6. Calleigh - TheForkBite says

    August 29, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Homemade meatballs are a blank slate – the basic “batter” could be tweaked and herbed and spiced to showcase a host of different flavors. Your version sounds delicious, and I bet this will be a big hit on our Labor’s day party.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:35 am

      Thanks, Calleigh! I hope you give these a try and enjoy them.

      Reply
  7. Kumin Kueche says

    August 29, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    What a yummy post! looks so easy and tasty!! will definitely give it a try!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:36 am

      They sure are! Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. Helen says

    August 29, 2017 at 9:04 am

    I’m not surprised these always disappear quickly at events, they look and sound so good! Meatballs and pasta is such a comfort food isn’t it.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:38 am

      Thanks, Helen. They are really a perfect combo!

      Reply
  9. Jen S says

    August 29, 2017 at 6:05 am

    These look delicious! Italian meatballs are my dad’s favorite. I’ll have to make these next time he visits.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:39 am

      Thanks,Jen. I hope you and your Dad love these.

      Reply
  10. Darleen says

    August 29, 2017 at 5:10 am

    My mouth was watering just reading this. I so want to eat these. Absolutely beautiful

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:49 am

      Thanks, Darlene. These are really delicious!

      Reply
  11. Aditi says

    August 29, 2017 at 5:10 am

    These meatballs look delicious, unfortunately, I’m a vegetarian so I cannot try it for myself. But I will share it with friends who eat meat. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:51 am

      Thank you. I hope your friends enjoy these!

      Reply
  12. Kim says

    August 29, 2017 at 3:05 am

    These look delicious, my other half loves meatballs so I’ll have to try out this recipe on him!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:52 am

      Thank you Kim! These are really tasty! I hope you guys enjoy them.

      Reply
  13. Mayuri says

    August 29, 2017 at 1:50 am

    5 stars
    I love meatballs and this looks dee-licious! I am definitely going to try out this recipe, it looks easy 🙂

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks, Mayuri. This recipe is a keeper not only because it is delicious but also because of its simplicity. Enjoy!

      Reply
  14. zina says

    August 29, 2017 at 12:07 am

    I like this recipe and meatballs with pasta and red sauce actually is one of our favorite dishes! Thank you for sharing it!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:13 pm

      You are welcome Zina. You can’t go wrong with pasta and red sauce. 🙂

      Reply
  15. yukti says

    August 29, 2017 at 12:05 am

    4 stars
    They look nice and easy to make by following your recipe. You are very much correct that they can be used over pasta in main course too apart from appetizers. Also they can be dipped in Indian styled curry and served with breads or rice like Indian food.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      Exactly Yukti! They are so versatile.

      Reply
  16. jhilmil says

    August 28, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    Interesting, so neat. I shall go for vegetable balls of same style since I’m a vegan :). Shall follow your recipe directions

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      Interesting! Let me know how it goes. 🙂

      Reply
  17. five little doves says

    August 28, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    These look delicious! We love meatballs, they are one of the childrens favourites, I will definitely gve these a try!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks! I am sure the kids will love these. They are tasty!

      Reply
  18. ana says

    August 28, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Oh yum I have some quorn meatballs at home and they would taste delicious if they were adapted to your recipe. I think it would pair very well with some homemade garlic bread as well. Yum x

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks, Ana! That sounds delicious!

      Reply
  19. Familyearthtrek says

    August 28, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Like many I love meatballs! I grew up with Swedish meatballs because I used to live in Stockholm. Now the only meatballs I get are the one from Ikea. I have try to make my own but never succeded! You have somw great tips how to manage! Looks delicious. I will pin.

    http://www.familyearthtrek.com

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      Thank you! These are great, I am sure you will love them!

      Reply
  20. Coralie says

    August 28, 2017 at 9:23 am

    My son saw these and fell in love! I am going to make them for him. They loo delicious.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks, Coralie! Your son will love these.

      Reply
  21. Terri Beavers says

    August 28, 2017 at 5:06 am

    5 stars
    These look and sound like something the grand kids would love (and me too). We love meatball subs so that would be how I serve them, I think.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Sounds delicious, Terri. You gave me an idea.

      Reply
  22. Angela Milnes says

    August 28, 2017 at 3:11 am

    What a yummy meatballs and I really want to try this glad that you share your awesome recipe.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      You are welcome, Angela. I hope you enjoy this recipe.

      Reply
  23. NORAH says

    August 27, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    5 stars
    I love meatballs! These look incredibly delicious and easy to make.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      August 28, 2017 at 6:07 am

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  24. Jen Temcio says

    August 27, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    You always such amazing recipes. These look and sound like a filling component to a big Italian meal.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks a lot, Jen. These are perfect addition to an italian entree.

      Reply
  25. Gladys parker says

    August 27, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    These look amazing and would look great beside all other appetizers. I like these as it would add substance to the usual pepperoni and sausage I use along with veggies and fruit.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you, Gladys! They are the perfect appetizers for gatherings!

      Reply
  26. sanna says

    February 11, 2015 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    I love that the meaballs are equipped with forks! So handy to eat. Meatballs, or anything made of giniling , are winners to me. This must be good with lots of sauce choices on the side like you said:)

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:45 am

      Exactly, Sanna! Thank you!

      Reply

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