Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Vegetarian Meatball Bites are a delicious Italian-inspired appetizer featuring a savory blend of quinoa, lentils, and Italian herbs, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for parties or a wholesome snack, they are baked to golden perfection and served with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan option
Filling
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For Baking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa or brown rice, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan or nutritional yeast, minced garlic, chopped onion, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and egg or flax egg until well combined, forming a cohesive mixture.
- Form Meatballs: Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the mixture around it, gently rolling to form a compact ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the formed meatball bites evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to encourage browning and add a subtle richness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and firm to the touch, ensuring the cheese inside melts beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the meatball bites warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping to enhance their Italian-inspired flavor.
Notes
- You can freeze the unbaked meatball bites for up to 1 month. When baking from frozen, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a different flavor twist, substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
