Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Do you loooove surprises?

You know, like sweet creamy filling spilling out of a chocolate truffle, a tootsie roll unveiled after a thousand licks of a cherry tootsie pop, chocolate pudding cascading out of a luscious lava cake, or maybe a long awaited 3 carat-diamond hid inside a fortune cookie?

WE DO!

We both LOVE surprises of any kind, so these meatballs with a cheesy surprise hidden inside is a surefire winner in our book. Even though we're the ones hiding the cheese inside for the kids or guests to happily discover, we still get to enjoy the magic of the cheese oozing out when our fork cuts the first bite.

We love using the traditional Mozzarella, but that's never stopped us from using other varieties of cheeses, especially after our first Cheese Tasting Party. ( We say First cheese tasting party because somewhere around cheese number four, it was unanimously decided that tasting a mere six cheeses was not nearly enough, so there will be more parties to come honoring the almighty cheese!) So, as always, step outside your comfort zone and go crazy with your cheese choice, because it's hard to go wrong with cheese!

IF you are not into surprises or cheese (which, by the way, is totally crazy) this little meatball recipe all by itself is a winner - cheese or no cheese!


Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

One Pound Lean Ground Beef
1/2 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/3 Cup Milk or Water (more or less)
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
One Medium Onion, finely chopped
One Large Garlic, pressed
One Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Dash of Thyme and Basil
One Egg

4 Ounces Mozzarella Cheese

Mix all ingredients together, but don't add all of the milk/water at one time. It should be moist, but not so much that the meatballs fall apart.

Roll each meatball around a one-inch piece of cheese of your choice to a desired size and place in an 8x8 inch pan. Place in 375 degree oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Serve as is, with warm spaghetti sauce, or with sauce and noodles.

OR, broil meatballs until outside is slightly browned on one side, then turn and broil the other. When finished, add to spaghetti sauce and simmer at least 20 minutes.

Serve and Surprise!