The Art of Ultimate Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Perfection

Perfect Meat Mixture Mastery

Master the technique of combining meats and seasonings without overmixing for optimal texture.

Cheese Stuffing Excellence

Learn the skill of properly encasing cheese to prevent leaking during cooking.

Breading Technique Perfection

Perfect the method of three-stage breading for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Baking Temperature Control

Master the art of baking at proper temperature for golden exterior and melted center.

Timing and Presentation

Learn optimal timing and plating techniques for perfect cheese pull and presentation.

Gourmet Italian Cooking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Cheese Enclosure: Ensure mozzarella is completely enclosed to prevent leaking during baking.

Uniform Size: Use cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook consistently.

Gentle Mixing: Don't overmix meat mixture to maintain tender texture.

Breading Technique: Press breadcrumb coating gently to help it adhere properly.

Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach safe 165°F.

Cooling Time: Let meatballs rest before serving to prevent cheese from oozing out.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Center and Italian Herb Coating

Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Center and Italian Herb Coating
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Meatballs:; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 small onion, finely diced; For the Italian Seasoning:; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; For the Cheese Filling:; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Pinch of black pepper; For the Coating:; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; For the Cooking Base:; 3 tablespoons olive oil

The ultimate mozzarella stuffed meatballs featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef and pork with molten mozzarella cheese centers, coated in Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection. This gourmet Italian comfort food masterpiece combines the satisfying richness of premium meat with the indulgent surprise of melted cheese filling and aromatic Italian seasonings, creating an unforgettable appetizer or main dish experience that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and aromatic Italian flavors.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup whole milk

1 large egg

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

For the Italian Seasoning:

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Cheese Filling:

8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of black pepper

For the Coating:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Cooking Base:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce Option:

2 cups marinara sauce

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons white wine (optional)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

For the Fresh Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Red pepper flakes

For the Gourmet Touches:

2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

Lemon zest for brightness

For Special Equipment:

Large baking sheet

Parchment paper

Large mixing bowl

Cookie scoop

Meat thermometer

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk and let soak 5 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet and sauté diced onion until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.

In large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, and soaked breadcrumbs.

Add beaten egg, grated Parmesan, sautéed onion mixture, and fresh parsley.

Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently with hands until just combined, don't overmix.

Prepare mozzarella cubes by tossing with fresh basil and garlic powder.

Take about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten in palm.

Place one mozzarella cube in center and wrap meat around it.

Roll gently to form smooth ball, ensuring cheese is completely enclosed.

Repeat with remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.

Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned panko.

Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Roll each meatball in flour, then egg, then seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Place breaded meatballs on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.

Drizzle remaining olive oil over meatballs for golden browning.

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce in saucepan with fresh basil.

Let meatballs rest 5 minutes after baking to set cheese filling.

Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping or spooning over.

Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan cheese.

Accompany with pasta, crusty bread, or serve as appetizers.

Warning: cheese centers will be very hot, let cool slightly before eating.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Center and Italian Herb Coating

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Perfection

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Melted Cheese Center and Italian Herb Coating

Ingredients

Instructions