Pizza Balls

I have been thinking about all kinds of fun ideas for make-ahead after school snacks.

This post is for all my friends with kids in school looking for new ways to introduce some familiar but different snacks into the weekly rotation.  One of the recipes I tested this week turned out to be a hit with some friends with kids, so I decided to share it with the rest of you. This recipe is so versatile it can accommodate even the most picky eaters.  Ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, mozzarella, cheddar, havarti, gouda, parsley, basil, oregano....the options are endless.   It is a fun way to have your kids involved in the kitchen and they can even choose their own fillings and flavors that suit their tastes.  Pizza Balls can be made in advance and frozen into batches so you can bake them off a few at a time as needed or bake them the evening before and have your kids warm them up in the microwave. They can be made big or small and served over your favorite tomato sauce or have it served on the side as a dipping sauce.

I hope that this recipe is a hit in your family and adds a little variety to the after school snack schedule.  Stay tuned for more great snacks this week.  

Ingredients

Makes 12 large pizza balls

1 1/2 lbs ground pork 

1 small onion - grated 

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp dried oregano

1/2 cup fresh parsley - finely chopped

1/2 cup Parmesan - grated

2 tbsp Worcestershire  sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

12 cubes of mozzarella

2 eggs- beaten

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 cup of tomato sauce 

1. In a large bowl mix together all the ingredients except the last four. Mix until well incorporated but do not over mix or meat mixture will become more of a paste.

2. Roll into balls stuffing each ball with one piece of cheese.

3. Dip each ball into egg mixture and than into the breadcrumbs until well coated.

4. Place the breaded balls onto a parchment lined sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.

5. Place crispy pizza balls onto warmed tomato sauce and garnish with basil or extra cheese. 

6. Enjoy!

A