Meatball Parm Skewers – The Perfect Party Appetizer

Today’s Headlines -
0


If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and bursting with flavor, then Meatball Parm Skewers are about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine tender meatballs coated in marinara sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella, and served on skewers for the ultimate handheld treat.

These skewers are essentially chicken parmesan or meatball parmesan on a stick – portable, bite-sized, and perfect for game days, holidays, or casual family dinners. They combine everything people love about Italian-American comfort food: savory meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, creamy melted cheese, and a touch of fresh herbs.

Whether you make them from scratch or use store-bought shortcuts, Meatball Parm Skewers are guaranteed to be the star of your appetizer spread.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Parm Skewers

✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves meatballs and melted cheese.
✅ Portable & Fun – No plates required, just grab and eat.
✅ Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare the components in advance and assemble before serving.
✅ Customizable – Use beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make classic Meatball Parm Skewers:

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce & Skewers

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into cubes) or mozzarella balls

  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water if grilling)

  • Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

  3. Mix gently until just combined.

  4. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

(Shortcut: Use frozen meatballs and heat according to package directions.)

Step 2: Warm the Marinara

  • Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

  • Once meatballs are cooked, toss them in the sauce to coat.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

  1. Take a wooden skewer and thread:

    • One meatball

    • A cube of mozzarella

    • Another meatball

    • Another cube of mozzarella

    • Repeat until skewer is filled.

  2. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Step 4: Bake & Melt Cheese

  • Sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the skewers.

  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  • Drizzle with extra marinara sauce.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

  • Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Meatball Parm Skewers

  • Don’t Overmix – Overmixing meat makes meatballs tough.

  • Soak Skewers – If grilling or baking for a long time, soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.

  • Cheese Options – Try provolone, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

  • Make Ahead – Cook meatballs in advance, then assemble skewers before serving.

Variations

1. Chicken Parm Skewers

  • Use ground chicken meatballs and layer with mozzarella + a little pesto for flavor.

2. Turkey Meatball Parm Skewers

  • Leaner and lighter, perfect for a healthier twist.

3. Vegetarian Option

  • Use plant-based meatballs or falafel.

  • Swap marinara for a roasted red pepper sauce.

4. Appetizer Bites (No Skewers)

  • Serve meatballs on toothpicks topped with mozzarella and a spoonful of marinara.

5. Grilled Meatball Skewers

  • Grill meatballs and cheese on skewers, then brush with marinara before serving.

What to Serve with Meatball Parm Skewers

  • Party Spread – Serve with garlic bread, bruschetta, or caprese skewers.

  • Dipping Sauces – Marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy arrabbiata sauce.

  • Salad Pairings – Caesar salad, antipasto salad, or simple mixed greens.

  • Main Course Option – Pair with pasta for a full meal.

Storage & Make Ahead

  • Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer – Freeze baked meatballs (without cheese) for up to 2 months. Reheat, then assemble skewers.

  • Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Protein-Rich – Packed with protein from meat and cheese.

  • Customizable – Easy to make gluten-free (use GF breadcrumbs) or low-carb (skip breadcrumbs).

  • Portion Control – Serving on skewers makes it easy to enjoy without overeating.

Common Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just heat them in marinara before assembling skewers.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prep meatballs a day ahead and assemble skewers before serving.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone and Parmesan also work great.

4. Can I cook these on the grill?
Yes – grill meatballs first, then skewer with cheese, and melt briefly under a broiler or grill top.

5. How many skewers does this make?
Typically 10–12 skewers, depending on meatball size.

Today’s Headlines

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post