Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs! This irresistible recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon to create a showstopping appetizer or main course that will have your guests begging for more. Packed with juicy beef, perfectly seasoned, and wrapped in a crispy bacon blanket, these meatballs are a surefire way to make any gathering or weeknight dinner a delicious success.
Ingredients That Make These Meatballs Shine
The secret to these Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs lies in the carefully selected ingredients that work together to deliver an unbeatable flavor profile. Let’s break down the key components:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the meatballs, providing the perfect base for the other flavors to shine.
- Breadcrumbs: Helping to bind the meatballs together and adding a delightful texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offering a savory, nutty flavor that complements the garlic and bacon perfectly.
- Garlic: The star ingredient, infusing the meatballs with a robust, aromatic punch.
- Fresh Parsley: Lending a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Bacon: Wrapping the meatballs in crispy, smoky bacon adds an irresistible layer of texture and taste.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the meatballs’ flavors beautifully.
With these key ingredients, you can easily create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. And the best part? There’s room for customization and substitutions to suit your personal preferences.
Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of bringing these flavorful meatballs to life:
Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the meatballs cook evenly and the bacon achieves a delightful crispiness.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix the ingredients together until they are well-incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Forming the Meatballs
With the mixture ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Using your palms, gently roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are all uniform in size for even cooking.
Wrapping in Bacon
Take each meatball and wrap a half-slice of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick if needed. This step not only adds an irresistible layer of flavor but also helps the meatballs hold their shape during baking.
Baking to Perfection
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
These Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are versatile enough to be enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main course. For appetizer-sized servings, arrange the meatballs on a platter and serve with the marinara sauce for dipping. Alternatively, you can serve them as a main dish, accompanied by your favorite side dishes, such as roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes, a fresh green salad, or buttery pasta.
Variations on the Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
While the classic version is already a showstopper, there are several ways to put your own spin on these meatballs:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a delightful kick of heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Tuck a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball before wrapping in bacon for a deliciously melty surprise.
- Herb-Infused Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Meatball Sliders: Form the meatballs into smaller, slider-sized portions and serve them on toasted mini buns for a fun and portable appetizer.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
How can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs can be easily prepared in advance. Assemble the meatballs, wrap them in bacon, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these meatballs! After wrapping the meatballs in bacon, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen meatballs directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with meatballs?
Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs pair excellently with a variety of side dishes. Some delicious options include roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes, a fresh green salad, buttery pasta, or a simple vegetable medley. You can also serve them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as marinara, barbecue, or honey mustard.
How do I know when meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the largest meatball, and look for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Additionally, you can cut into one of the meatballs to check that the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
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- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
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- Irish Pub Burger
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are a flavor-packed, show-stopping dish that are sure to impress your family and friends. With the perfect blend of savory, salty, and umami flavors, these meatballs are a must-try for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as the main course, one thing is certain: your guests will be begging for seconds (or thirds!). So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience with these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs.
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Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Garlic Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Meatballs! This irresistible recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon to create a showstopping appetizer or main course that will have your guests begging for more. Packed with juicy beef, perfectly seasoned, and wrapped in a crispy bacon blanket, these meatballs are a surefire way to make any gathering or weeknight dinner a delicious success.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Wrap in Bacon: Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg