amazing appetizer: mini meatball cups

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
Wichita, KS

These are similar to an appetizer we served at Diamond Jim’s in Chicago… many years ago. I usually make my own puff pastry; however, for the recipe some good store-bought puff pastry will do just fine. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For amazing appetizer: mini meatball cups

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 1 sheet
    puff pastry sheet, thawed
  • 12 sm
    fully cooked meatballs, completely frozen (your favorite recipe)
  • 1/2 c
    marinara sauce, smooth, not chunky (your favorite recipe)
  • fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping

How To Make amazing appetizer: mini meatball cups

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    Gather your ingredients.
  • 3
    Chef’s Tip: The meatballs should be small, only about 1-inch (2.5cm) in diameter, fully cooked and completely frozen (more on freezing the meatballs later).
  • 4
    Place the defrosted puff pastry sheet on a clean surface, dusted with a bit of flour.
  • 5
    Cut the dough, into 2-inch (4cm) squares.
  • 6
    Chef’s Tip: The size of your pastry squares will vary a bit, depending on the type of mini muffin pan you are using.
  • 7
    Chef's Tip: If you have some puff pastry scraps, just brush them with butter, sprinkle with some sugar and cinnamon, and then pop into the oven... YUM.
  • 8
    Lightly oil the muffin pan.
  • 9
    Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
  • 10
    Chef’s Note: 400f (205c) is the standard temperature for working with puff pastry.
  • 11
    Add the dough to cups of the mini pan.
  • 12
    Place one of the frozen meatballs into each one of the cups.
  • 13
    Chef’s Note: Why cook your meatballs, and then freeze them? Well, I tried doing the meatballs three ways: 1. Precooked, but not frozen… Meatballs come out overcooked and dry. 2. Raw, frozen or unfrozen… Meatballs never cook completely through. 3. Precooked, and frozen… Meatballs come out hot and juicy.
  • 14
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through, and the pastry is crispy and golden.
  • 15
    Remove from the oven, add 1/2 teaspoon of the marinara sauce to the top of each meatball cup.
  • 16
    Chef's Tip: If the weather is really cold, add a bit of cayenne to the marinara sauce.
  • 17
    Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese.
  • 18
    Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
  • 19
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • 20
    Serve while still warm, on a nice serving platter. Enjoy.
  • 21
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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