These Easy Greek-Inspired Meatball Appetizers are a tasty treat! Made with juicy ground meat mixed with herbs, spices, and a touch of feta cheese, they burst with flavor.
Perfect for parties or a fun snack, I love pairing them with a creamy yogurt dip. Trust me, everyone will be asking for more—it’s hard to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Both work well, but I find lamb gives a more authentic Greek flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey is a tasty substitute!
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I prefer panko for extra crunch!
Feta Cheese: This adds a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have feta, try using goat cheese or skip it if you’re dairy-free.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and oregano really enhance the taste. If you only have dried herbs, just use 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Greek Yogurt: The base for the dip. You can substitute with sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option!
How Do You Ensure the Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping the meatballs moist is key for great flavor. Here are my tips:
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this prevents them from being tough.
- Use a mix of ground beef and lamb (or just one) that has some fat content. Lean meat can lead to dry meatballs.
- Cook over medium heat. Too high and they could dry out before cooking through. Aim for golden brown all around!
These steps will help you achieve tender, juicy meatballs every time. Enjoy making and sharing these appetizers!
Easy Greek-Inspired Meatball Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Yogurt Dip:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious appetizers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs. If you prefer pan-frying, get your skillet ready with a little olive oil on medium heat.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, oregano, the egg, and some salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined—don’t overdo it!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, grab small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for appetizers!
4. Cook the Meatballs:
If baking, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20–25 minutes until they’re cooked through. If pan-frying, heat the olive oil in your skillet, then add the meatballs in batches. Fry them for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown all over.
5. Prepare the Yogurt Dip:
While the meatballs are cooking, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill or parsley, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until it’s nice and smooth.
6. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, put a good spoonful of the yogurt dip in small glasses or serving cups. Place two or three meatballs on top of the dip for a delicious presentation. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over them for a lovely touch!
7. Enjoy:
For easy eating, stick a skewer or toothpick into each meatball. Now you’re ready to dig in or impress your guests with these tasty appetizers!
Enjoy these flavorful Greek-inspired meatball appetizers, perfect for parties or casual snacking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative that still provides wonderful flavor. Just be sure to avoid overcooking as turkey can dry out more easily than fattier meats.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! Shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to prepare them further ahead, you can freeze them raw. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can reheat the yogurt dip separately as well!
Can I Adjust the Seasonings in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices according to your taste. You can also add in other flavors like mint, lemon zest, or chili flakes for an extra kick if you prefer.
