Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatball Appetizers are incredibly easy to make, yet they feel indulgent with every bite. The buttery crescent dough forms the perfect base, while the meatball brings in hearty protein. With melted cheese and a touch of garlic spaghetti sauce, these appetizers are a savory treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for game day, or just looking for a delicious snack, these little meatball cups are the perfect option to satisfy your savory cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce cans crescent dough
- Flour for dusting
- 5 ounces Cacique Queso Quesadilla Jalapeño shredded
- 16 frozen meatballs
- ½ cup garlic spaghetti sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Muffin Tins: Spray two regular-size muffin tins (16 molds total) with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour your working surface and unroll the crescent dough. Separate the dough triangles and place one triangle in each muffin mold, pressing the dough to cover the bottom and sides of the mold. Make sure to press the dough up the sides of the muffin molds.
- Assemble the Cups: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of shredded cheese into each dough-lined cup. Place one frozen meatball on top of the cheese and lightly press it down into the dough and cheese.
- Bake the Meatball Cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the dough starts to turn golden.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the meatball cups from the oven. Top each one with 1 tablespoon of garlic spaghetti sauce and another tablespoon of shredded cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the meatball cups with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm or cold, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Varieties: If you prefer, substitute the Cacique Queso Quesadilla Jalapeño with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Add Veggies: For an extra veggie boost, add a few slices of bell peppers or onions to the meatball before baking.
- Sauce Options: While garlic spaghetti sauce works wonderfully, feel free to use marinara or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian meatballs for a plant-based twist on this recipe.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Store leftover meatball cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meatball cups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 30-45 seconds, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade meatballs for this recipe! Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before placing them in the dough.
Can I freeze these meatball appetizers?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball cups and freeze them before baking. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just place them directly in the oven and add an extra few minutes of baking time.
Can I use a different type of dough?
While crescent dough works perfectly, you can try puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even pizza dough if you prefer. Each dough type will offer a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
Can I make these meatball appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. If refrigerated, bake them on the day of serving; if frozen, simply bake from frozen.
How do I keep the meatballs from sinking into the dough?
Press the meatballs down gently, but don’t overdo it, as the dough will rise a bit around them as it bakes. This will help keep them in place while the dough cooks.
Conclusion
These Meatball Appetizers are the ultimate combination of flavor and convenience. With a deliciously flaky dough, savory meatball, gooey cheese, and a little drizzle of garlic spaghetti sauce, these bite-sized treats will be a hit at any event. They’re easy to make, can be customized with your favorite cheese or sauce, and are perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick dinner. Give them a try and enjoy the deliciousness in every bite!
Meatball Appetizers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
“These Meatball Appetizers combine crescent dough, melted cheese, and savory meatballs for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a snack. Topped with garlic spaghetti sauce and fresh parsley, these little cups are packed with flavor and sure to be a hit!”
Ingredients
2 8-ounce cans crescent dough
Flour for dusting
5 ounces Cacique Queso Quesadilla Jalapeño shredded (or preferred cheese)
16 frozen meatballs
½ cup garlic spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare Muffin Tins: Spray two regular-size muffin tins (16 molds total) with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
-
Prepare Dough: Lightly flour your working surface and unroll the crescent dough. Separate the dough triangles and place one triangle in each muffin mold, pressing the dough to cover the bottom and sides of the mold. Make sure to press the dough up the sides of the muffin molds.
-
Assemble the Cups: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of shredded cheese into each dough-lined cup. Place one frozen meatball on top of the cheese and lightly press it down into the dough and cheese.
-
Bake the Meatball Cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the dough starts to turn golden.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the meatball cups from the oven. Top each one with 1 tablespoon of garlic spaghetti sauce and another tablespoon of shredded cheese.
-
Final Bake: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Top the meatball cups with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm or cold, and enjoy!
Notes
-
Cheese Varieties: Substitute the Cacique Queso Quesadilla Jalapeño with mozzarella, cheddar, or spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Add Veggies: Add bell peppers or onions to the meatball before baking for extra veggies.
Sauce Options: You can use marinara or Alfredo sauce instead of garlic spaghetti sauce for a different twist.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian meatballs for a plant-based version of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
