Around this time every year, I find myself caught in the thick of planning for holiday gatherings. I want to make sure I serve guests tasty treats that are hearty, healthy, and different from the turkey overload experienced during the holidays. That’s where this delicious mint meatball appetizer recipe with a tangy yogurt dipping sauce comes in handy for any party. It really stands out and I always get asked for the recipe. These Greek meatballs are a traditional dish in Greek cuisine. They are typically made with a mixture of ground meat, such as beef or lamb, combined with flavorful ingredients like onions, garlic, fresh herbs (parsley, mint, and/or oregano), and breadcrumbs or soaked bread.
These Mint Meatballs With Feta Are A Tasty, Healthy Appetizer
These delicious meatball appetizers are both heart-healthy and relatively low-calorie, although my guests would never guess it! I use lean meat, such as Laura’s Lean Beef, which provides naturally low fat goodness, packed with protein. Warm, filling and delicious, these small lean snacks satisfy the appetites of guests without adding unnecessary calories. Protein-packed appetizers pair perfectly with healthy dips, casseroles and vegetable platters, allowing guests to enjoy party treats while keeping their eating on track – even during the holidays.
My Mint Meatballs call for a combination of lean beef and lamb that make a great twist on the traditional meatball. This Greek meatball recipe also substitutes mint for the usual basil or parsley. You’ll love the additional kick of flavor. This recipe makes 50 one-bite meatballs. This mini meatball appetizer recipe is quick and easy to prepare, even ahead of time (cook, cool and refrigerate or freeze; the meatballs reheat well), leaving more time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. The cooling yogurt sauce is so full of flavor as well and really makes these meatballs an extra satisfying treat.
Greek Meatball Appetizer With Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Meatball Appetizer Ingredients:
- 3/4 pound 96% lean ground sirloin
- 1/4 pound lean ground lamb
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup feta crumbles (optional)
Yogurt Sauce Ingredients (Tzatziki Sauce):
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 clove garlic, pressed
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1/2 cucumber, skinned, seeded and grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- dash of black pepper
How To Make Beef and Lamb Meatballs With Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix beef, lamb, egg white, bread crumbs, mint, onion and garlic in large bowl.
Roll out bite-sized meatballs (about 3/4-inch rounds) and place on broiling rack or cooling rack placed over baking tray. You may want to line the baking pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
Bake 15 minutes.
While meatballs bake, combine yogurt, garlic, mint, dill, cucumber, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix well. Garnish with extra fresh mint.
Serve meatballs warm with cool yogurt sauce for dipping.
To make ahead, cook completely, cool and refrigerate. To serve, warm in 250°F oven until just warmed and serve with chilled yogurt dipping sauce.
Printable Meatball Appetizer Recipe Card:
Mint Meatballs Recipe - Easy Appetizer
Ingredients
- Meatballs:
- 3/4 pound Laura’s 96% Lean Ground Sirloin
- 1/4 pound lean ground lamb
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Yogurt Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cucumber, skinned, seeded and grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Dash black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Mix beef, lamb, egg white, bread crumbs, mint, onion and garlic in large bowl.
- Roll out bite-sized meatballs (about 3/4-inch rounds) and place on broiling rack or cooling rack placed over baking tray.
- Bake 15 minutes.
- While meatballs bake, combine yogurt, garlic, mint, cucumber, salt and pepper. Mix well. Garnish with extra fresh mint.
- Serve meatballs warm with yogurt sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Mint Meatballs Recipe - Easy Appetizer
Serves: 25
|
Amount Per Serving: 2 mini meatballs
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 25.55 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 1.34 g | 1.5% | |
| Saturated Fat 0.55 g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 6.85 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium 22.04 mg | 0.9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 0.73 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0.13 g | 0% | |
| Sugars 0.3 g | ||
| Protein 2.56 g | ||
| Vitamin A 0.31 % | Vitamin C 0.38 % | |
| Calcium 1.24 % | Iron 1.76 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Nutrition Information for 1 meatball (16g)
Calories 20; Calories from Fat 8 (40% from Fat); Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 25mg; Carbohydrate 1g; Fiber 0g; Protein 2g; Vitamin A 1%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 2%
Nutrition Information for 1 Tablespoon Yogurt Sauce
Calories 6; Calories from Fat 0 (0% from Fat); Fat 0g; Saturated Fat 0g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 28mg; Carbohydrate 1g; Fiber 0g; Protein 1g; Vitamin A 1%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 1%
Baked Meatball Conclusion
Baking meatballs offers a simple, healthier, and more consistent cooking method. It allows the meatballs to cook evenly without constant attention, freeing you to focus on other parts of the meal. Baking also eliminates the need for frying in oil, reducing the overall fat content, and ensures the meatballs retain their shape and flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a pasta dish, a sandwich, or as an appetizer, baked meatballs are a versatile and convenient option that delivers delicious results every time.
Do you think you will try this meatball appetizer recipe? Have you tried mint meatballs before? They are sure to be a hit! Tag us in your photos #familyfocusblog!
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