There’s a certain enchantment that fills the air during Halloween, and nothing captures that magic quite like Meatball Mummies. Picture this: golden-brown biscuits hugging savory meatballs, all dressed up with spooky little edible eyeballs. This fun, family-friendly meal not only brings delight to the dinner table but also invites laughter and creativity into your kitchen. I first whipped these up after my kids declared they were too old for ordinary spaghetti and meatballs; what a win it was to hear them giggle as they unwrapped the mummies!
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply want to spice up a weeknight dinner, these Meatball Mummies are a quick and easy solution. They combine the comforting familiarity of meatballs with an exciting twist, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will be clamoring for seconds. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get little hands involved in dinner prep! Grab your pizza dough, we’re about to create a spooktacular feast that’s as delicious as it is delightful!
Why are Meatball Mummies the perfect treat?
Fun presentation: These Meatball Mummies are not only delicious but also a creative way to get everyone excited about dinner!
Kid-friendly fun: Let your little ones help wrap the meatballs, turning dinner prep into a playful family activity.
Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these spooky delights in no time!
Crowd pleaser: Whether at a Halloween party or a cozy family night, everyone, from kids to adults, will love this delicious twist on a classic meal.
Versatile options: Feel free to customize with your favorite meatballs or dipping sauces, like ranch or marinara, for a personalized touch that everyone will enjoy!
Meatball Mummies Ingredients
For the Mummies
• Prepared Pizza Dough – A flaky structural base that creates the spooky effect; feel free to substitute with refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent dough for easy preparation.
• Cooked Meatballs – The savory star of this dish; you can use any type of meatball, including store-bought frozen or homemade.
• Raw Spaghetti Strands – These lend stability to the wrapped meatballs; consider using cooked spaghetti for a creative twist.
For the Decorations
• Edible Eyeballs – These fun elements make the mummies exciting and spooky; swap in cheese and olives for DIY eyeball decorations if desired.
• Melted Butter (optional) – Adds extra flavor and shine when brushed on the mummies; skip it for a lighter option.
For Dipping
• Pasta Sauce – A delightful companion for dipping; try marinara, ranch, or buffalo sauce for an exciting flavor variation.
Treat your family to these Meatball Mummies and make mealtime a magical adventure!
How to Make Meatball Mummies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Meatball Mummies bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown.
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Cut pizza dough into thin strips, approximately ¼ inch wide. This will allow you to wrap them around the meatballs creatively.
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Thread three meatballs onto a raw spaghetti strand. This not only holds them together but also prepares them for their spooky wrapping!
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Wrap the dough around the meatballs, ensuring to leave space for the “eyes.” Aim for a fun, mummy-like appearance that your kids will love!
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Remove the spaghetti strand and gently place the wrapped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Bake for 19-23 minutes or until golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
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Brush with melted butter and place edible eyeballs on the meatballs before serving with warm pasta sauce. These final touches add extra flavor and fun!
Optional: Serve with a selection of dipping sauces for added flavor fun!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Meatball Mummies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the wrapped meatballs up to 24 hours in advance by following these simple steps: after wrapping the dough around the meatballs, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh and prevent the dough from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven, remove the plastic wrap, and slide the baking sheet into the oven for 19-23 minutes. Brushing with melted butter and adding the edible eyeballs can be done right before serving for that delightful finishing touch. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Meatball Mummies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Meatball Mummies for even more fun and flavor!
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Turkey Meatballs: Swap beef or pork meatballs for turkey to create a lighter, leaner option that still packs a savory punch.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies to make a vegetarian version, perfect for those who prefer a meat-free meal.
It’s a hearty alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. -
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little heat that will make taste buds dance.
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the meatballs for a deliciously gooey surprise that melds wonderfully with the baked dough.
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Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, into the meatball mixture for a burst of freshness that elevates your meal.
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Sweet and Savory: Brush the dough with a light honey glaze before baking for a sweet contrast to the savory meatballs.
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Alternative Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces like barbecue or tzatziki for unique flavor pairings that everyone will love.
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Whole Wheat Dough: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pizza dough or wraps to create a fiber-rich mummy that’s equally delicious.
How to Store and Freeze Meatball Mummies
Fridge: Store leftover Meatball Mummies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to restore their delightful texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked Meatball Mummies. Place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble Meatball Mummies in advance and keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an easy pre-Halloween dinner solution!
Expert Tips for Meatball Mummies
• Spaghetti Selection: Use raw spaghetti for threading meatballs, as overcooked strands may break. Don’t forget to keep them al dente!
• Even Thickness: Ensure pizza dough strips are even in size. Uneven pieces can lead to inconsistent baking times and texture.
• Cheese Options: If using cheese for eyeballs, make sure the pieces are small enough to stay on top without slipping off during baking.
• Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or cheese directly into your meatballs before wrapping them. This creates delightful surprises!
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping options like buffalo, marinara, or ranch to please every palate at the table—we all love choices!
• Prep Ahead: You can assemble these Meatball Mummies a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them right before serving!
What to Serve with Meatball Mummies?
Imagine the laughter and joy at the dinner table as you pair these spooky delights with mouthwatering side dishes that elevate the experience!
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The subtly sweet and crunchy texture of these fries contrast beautifully with the savory meatball mummies, creating a balanced bite.
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Garlic Bread Sticks: Chewy and buttery, they’re perfect for dipping into extra pasta sauce and complement the meal with familiar Italian flavors.
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Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A refreshing mix of greens and veggies will cleanse the palate and add a crisp, bright contrast to the hearty mummies.
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Cheesy Macaroni: Creamy and comforting, this classic side is always a crowd-pleaser, making it great for families who love indulgent flavors.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots and zucchini, caramelized to perfection, bring warmth and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the meatballs’ savory notes.
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Pumpkin Soup: On a chilly night, a silky bowl of pumpkin soup provides a cozy touch and ties into the Halloween theme beautifully.
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Fizzy Apple Cider: Crisp and sweet, it adds a festive flair to your meal while keeping everyone refreshed and happy.
Add a selection of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies for dessert to complete your Halloween feast and keep the deliciousness going!
Meatball Mummies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pizza dough?
Absolutely! For the best results, select a fresh, refrigerated pizza dough that feels elastic and smooth. Look for one that doesn’t have any dark spots or tears. If you’re in a rush, refrigerated biscuit or crescent dough makes for a deliciously flaky substitute!
How should I store leftovers?
After indulging in your Meatball Mummies, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at a low temperature to maintain that delightful crunch—just 5-10 minutes should do the trick!
Can I freeze Meatball Mummies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, prepare the Meatball Mummies up to the baking step. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1-2 hours. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
What if my dough tears while wrapping?
No worries! If you find your pizza dough tearing, gently patch it up with a little extra piece of dough. Make sure to keep the strips thin and even; this will help avoid tears while wrapping around the meatballs. A light touch can work wonders!
Are there any allergies to consider?
Absolutely! For a nut-free version of Meatball Mummies, double-check the ingredients in your pizza dough and meatballs. If your family has gluten sensitivities, consider gluten-free pizza dough or pre-made meatballs. Always feel free to swap ingredients to accommodate dietary needs!
Can I involve kids in the wrapping process?
Very! Let little ones help wrap the meatballs in dough—they’ll have a blast! Just supervise them while using the spaghetti strands, ensuring they don’t break them before the mummies are ready for the oven. It’s a delightful way to involve the whole family in the fun of Halloween cooking!
Meatball Mummies: Spooky Delights for Family Fun Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut pizza dough into thin strips, approximately ¼ inch wide.
- Thread three meatballs onto a raw spaghetti strand.
- Wrap the dough around the meatballs, ensuring to leave space for the 'eyes.'
- Remove the spaghetti strand and place the wrapped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 19-23 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and place edible eyeballs on the meatballs before serving with pasta sauce.