Next, I take a generous portion of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it slightly in my palm. Then, I grab a cube of mozzarella and place it in the center before folding the meat around it, ensuring it’s fully enclosed. I repeat this process for the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella. Once they’re all formed, I heat some olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. I carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides, which adds that delightful texture.
After the meatballs are nicely browned, I transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the preheated oven to finish cooking for about 15-20 minutes. The smell that fills my kitchen during this time is simply heavenly, and I find it hard to resist peeking in on them.
While they bake, I often prepare a simple marinara sauce to serve on the side, which pairs perfectly with the meatballs. However, they are just as delicious on their own! Once they’re cooked through and the cheese is melted, I pull them out of the oven and let them cool for a few moments. The anticipation is always the hardest part!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I always keep in mind is to make sure that the mozzarella is in larger cubes. When I initially tried smaller pieces, they ended up melting all over the place, and while that was tasty, I wanted that gooey center when you bite into the meatball.
I also recommend not overmixing the meat—it can make the meatballs dense instead of tender. I gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. This small tip has completely changed the texture of my meatballs for the better!
Lastly, I have found that if I let the formed meatballs sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking, they hold their shape even better. This is especially helpful if you’re preparing them in advance for a dinner party or busy weeknight meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made in my early attempts was skipping the searing step. While it’s tempting to cook them only in the oven, giving them a quick fry first enhances their flavor and texture—you really don’t want to miss out on that golden-brown crust! (See the next page below to continue…)