Description
Cucumber-Wrapped, Feta-Stuffed Meatballs are a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic meatball, combining savory ground meat with creamy feta cheese, wrapped in crisp cucumber slices for a light, satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or mint for a Mediterranean twist)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 12-14 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- While the meatballs cook, slice the cucumber into thin, wide rounds. Lay flat on a cutting board and trim to fit around the meatballs.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes. Wrap each meatball in a cucumber slice, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle with lemon juice if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the meat with mashed chickpeas or quinoa, and use a plant-based cheese like vegan feta.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg