Meatball Mummies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright delicious way to celebrate Halloween or just jazz up your weeknight dinner, you’re going to love this Meatball Mummies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little mummies come together – they’re cute, savory, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Whether you’re making lunch, dinner, or an appetizer for a party, these spooky treats will be a hit with kids and adults alike. So stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to make sure your Meatball Mummies turn out perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Meatball Mummies Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance between juicy meatiness and golden, flaky wrapping. I love how the parmesan adds a little salty kick, and the Italian seasoning brings the whole thing together.

• Lean ground beef: I always go for 90% lean to keep the meatballs juicy but not greasy.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and keep the texture just right—don’t skip this!
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and a little extra flavor punch.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together perfectly.
• Italian seasoning: Classic blend to infuse the meat with that cozy Italian vibe.
• Minced dried onion: Adds mild onion flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh.
• Garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
• Crescent roll dough: Your stretchy “mummy bandages” – store-bought makes life easy here.
• Candy eyes: For that fun, spooky look that really brings the mummies to life.
• Marinara sauce: The perfect dip to complement the meat and dough combo.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Meatball Mummies Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to play around with different meats or seasonings to cater to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Turkey or chicken meatballs: I swapped in ground turkey once when beef was low – turned out just as tasty and a little lighter!
• Seasoning tweaks: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives these mummies a subtle spicy kick that my husband adores.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and crescent dough to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Vegetarian twist: Try plant-based meat alternatives or even stuff the dough with a mix of cheeses and veggies for a meat-free version.

How to Make Meatball Mummies Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape Your Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, minced dried onion, and garlic powder. I like to get my hands in there to mix everything thoroughly—it really helps with even seasoning. Once the mixture is uniform, divide it into 8 equal portions and roll each one into a sausage-like log shape. This shape helps create that authentic mummy-wrapped look later on.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

You have two options here: baking or pan-frying. When I first tried pan-frying these in a medium skillet over medium heat, they cooked beautifully in about 10 minutes, flipping once or twice to get an even brown crust. But if you prefer less hands-on, pop them on a baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes in your preheated oven. Remember, they don’t have to be fully cooked yet since they’ll finish baking wrapped in dough later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll “Bandages”

While the meatballs cool slightly on a paper towel-lined plate, unroll your crescent dough and slice it into long, thin strips — about ¼ to ½ inch wide. These strips will wrap around your meatballs, creating that iconic mummy look. Try to keep your strips consistent in width so they bake evenly.

Step 4: Wrap and Bake Your Meatball Mummies

Now comes the fun part: wrapping! Starting at one end, loosely wrap the crescent dough strips around each meatball, leaving a small gap where the candy eyes will go. I like to overlap the dough strips a little here and there — it makes the “bandages” look more authentic. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Add the Eyes and Serve

When you take the Meatball Mummies out of the oven, they’re warm enough to gently stick the candy eyes on with a dab of marinara sauce. These eyes really bring your mummies to life, and trust me, everyone will smile when they see them! Serve with plenty of marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Meatball Mummies Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it pretty simple here: extra marinara sauce for dipping is a must, and sometimes I sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color once they’re plated. The green contrasts so nicely with the golden dough and spooky eyes!

Side Dishes

Pair these Meatball Mummies with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the fun, carb-filled main. My go-to sides are garlic roasted broccoli or a Caesar salad – fresh and light complements the hearty meatballs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I love arranging the Meatball Mummies on a large platter lined with lettuce “graveyard grass.” You can add little tombstone signs made from paper or decorate the plate with edible spider webs (made from spun sugar or candy!) to really set the spooky mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled completely, I store leftover Meatball Mummies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well, though the crescent roll may lose a little crispness.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen unbaked, wrapped meatball mummies by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a great way to prep ahead for busy days or parties.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat mine in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness of the dough without drying out the meatball inside. Microwave works for a quick fix but can make the dough a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, the Meatball Mummies Recipe holds a special place in my heart for easy, festive fun. It’s one of those recipes I pull out when I want to wow my family or guests with minimal fuss and maximum smiles. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every Halloween (or whenever you’re craving something playful and delicious). Give them a go, and don’t forget the marinara dip—your mummies deserve their saucy finish!

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