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This Halloween Mummy Meatballs recipe is my go-to for creating a festive and family-friendly snack that is as much fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you are hosting a party or just want a playful dinner, these meatballs wrapped in golden dough and finished with spooky eyes are always a crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made these, my little ones could not stop laughing at their silly eyes and now everyone, adults included, requests them every Halloween.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: choose pre-cooked frozen meatballs for convenience and even texture
- Crescent roll dough: pick a fresh can since it stretches easily and browns just right
- Pepperoni: mini slices make perfect eyes and bring a savory bite
- Sauce: such as marinara or BBQ gives every bite extra flavor plus helps glue the eyes on
- Fresh herbs: parsley or chives add green color for a finished look
For best results, make sure to choose high quality dough and meatballs without a lot of fillers so your mummies taste homemade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dough:
- Begin by heating your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so the dough bakes evenly. Open your crescent dough and slice into long thin strips about a quarter inch wide to mimic mummy bandages and allow for wrapping.
- Wrap the Meatballs:
- Take a meatball and lay a strip of dough across it. Gently stretch and spin the dough around the meatball in a crisscross fashion. Use your fingers to press and seal the ends underneath so it holds during baking.
- Bake the Mummies:
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for quick cleanup. Place each wrapped meatball on the tray leaving space between them. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes watching for the dough to become puffy and golden brown.
- Make and Attach the Eyes:
- While your mummies cool slightly, use a sharp knife or small cutter to create tiny rounds of pepperoni. Dab the back of each slice with a little sauce and press gently onto the warm meatball so the eyes stick.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange meatballs on a platter and add more marinara or favorite dipping sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
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My favorite part is choosing the eyes—sometimes I use olives or bell pepper depending on what I have and my kids love brainstorming silly faces. This is always a dish that brings us laughter and silly kitchen stories.
Storage Tips
Store leftover mummy meatballs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. For the best crispy texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave since it keeps the dough from getting chewy. To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs on a tray, freeze solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag. Bake direct from frozen at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and golden.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find crescent roll dough, substitute with thin strips of puff pastry for a slightly flakier texture. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based meatballs and vegan dough. Create eyes with sliced olives or small dots of colored bell pepper for non-meat eaters or just to mix up the look.
Serving Suggestions
Pile your mummy meatballs high on a platter around a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. For parties, arrange on toothpicks like adorable mummy skewers. Serve them over pasta or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal. For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a touch of shredded cheese adds great color and flavor.
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Cultural and Historical Context
This recipe is a playful take on classic Italian-American meatball appetizers reimagined for Halloween with a nod to the iconic mummy wrap look. Fun, spooky party snacks like this have become popular in recent years and make family holiday memories even sweeter.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute crescent roll dough?
If crescent dough isn't available, try puff pastry or sliced biscuit dough, though crescent rolls hold the shape best.
- → Are mummy meatballs suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The wrapping process is fun for kids and the mild flavors make them a big hit at family parties.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat mummy meatballs in a 350°F oven to keep the dough crisp rather than turning chewy in the microwave.
- → Can these be made ahead and frozen?
Yes! Freeze baked, cooled mummy meatballs, then reheat in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
- → How do I make the ‘eyes’ stay on?
Dab a little sauce or water on each eye piece and attach after cooling briefly post-bake for best sticking results.