If you’ve been looking for a fun, spooky, and absolutely delicious way to impress your family or guests this Halloween (or anytime you’re craving a playful twist), you’re going to adore this Mummy Meatballs Recipe. I absolutely love how these little mummies come together — they’re cute, tasty, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for festive entertaining or a cozy night that calls for some lighthearted fun in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Whimsical & Fun: Kids and adults alike love the festive mummy look, making it a hit at parties and family dinners.
- Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect even if you’re short on time or new to cooking meatballs.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own signature dish.
- Perfect Portion Size: These meatballs are bite-sized and great for snacking, making serving and sharing a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mummy Meatballs Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients that blend beautifully for flavor and texture. When selecting your ground beef, I suggest going for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to keep your meatballs moist but not greasy, and those crescent roll sheets make wrapping super quick and fuss-free.
- Ground beef: I love using fresh, quality ground beef for juicy meatballs that hold together well.
- Minced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture; feel free to use white or yellow onion.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs tender and light – regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko gives a nicer texture.
- Garlic: Mince it fresh for that wonderful punch of flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a bit of herbaceous zing, but dried parsley can work in a pinch.
- Egg: The binder that holds everything together perfectly.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Season generously—you’ll thank yourself later!
- Pillsbury crescent roll sheet: This is the key to the mummy look. It’s buttery, flaky, and wraps beautifully.
- Yellow mustard: For decorating the mummy’s eyes—the mustard’s tanginess is just right.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. It’s such an adaptable dish—you can tweak it to suit what you and your family enjoy most. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Turkey or chicken meatballs: For a lighter version, I swapped ground turkey once and still got fantastic flavor and juicy texture.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives a subtle smoky heat that adults with a bit of a kick will love.
- Herb swaps: Try oregano or basil instead of parsley to bring an Italian twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your crescent roll package or make your own dough for a safe swap.
How to Make Mummy Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake, which helps the crescent dough crisp up beautifully. I always line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper here—this makes cleanup so much easier and keeps the bottoms from browning too much. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone mat works well too.
Step 2: Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the ground beef, minced onion, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, and that trusty egg. Don’t skimp on the kosher salt and fresh black pepper—you want your meatballs well-seasoned to shine through each bite. I usually mix everything with a wooden spoon, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so take it easy here.
Step 3: Shaping and Wrapping Your Mummies
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Now for the fun part! Slice the crescent roll dough sheet in half widthwise, then cut those halves into long, thin strips. Wrap strips around each meatball to give it that classic mummy wrapping look—just leave a little space unwrapped so you can add eyes later. This part reminds me of a Halloween party I once threw where the kids went crazy helping me wrap every single mothball like tiny sarcophagi!
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the crescent dough is a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on the dough—if it starts to brown too quickly, just tent the tray loosely with foil. This little trick saved me from burnt mummies more than once!
Step 5: Adding the Spooky Eyes
Once out of the oven, let the mummy meatballs cool just a bit, then dot on two little eyes with yellow mustard. I use a toothpick to carefully place the dots—it’s fun to see each mummy come to life. These eyes really give the meatballs their character and honestly, my kids get all wide-eyed and excited at this step every time.
Pro Tips for Making Mummy Meatballs Recipe
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps your meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use Parchment or Silicone: Prevents sticking and keeps the crescent dough flawless during baking.
- Wrap Loosely: Leaving small gaps in the dough helps the mummies look authentic and ensures they cook evenly.
- Mustard for Eyes: Using a toothpick for dots keeps your decorating neat and precise – and a little goes a long way!
How to Serve Mummy Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
I love to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika on top just before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor. Sometimes, I place a few jalapeño slices on the side for those who want to add a little heat. It’s all about making your plate as inviting as those cute mummies themselves!
Side Dishes
For sides, I often serve these with a simple green salad to balance out the richness, or a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup for a cozy fall pairing. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also complement the meatballs beautifully—and the kids enjoy dipping the little mummies into ketchup or ranch!
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged these on a black platter lined with lettuce, sprinkled some edible candy eyes around, and added a little “spooky graveyard” sign for a Halloween party—it was a total hit and sparked lots of fun conversations. If you want to kick it up a notch, serve them on skewers for easy grabbing or alongside “bloody” marinara sauce for a dramatic effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the party, I usually let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up well and reheat nicely, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks during a busy week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen fully cooked mummy meatballs by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, flash freezing, then transferring to freezer bags. This way, they don’t stick together. When you’re ready, just pop them straight from freezer to oven or microwave for a quick fix.
Reheating
To keep the crescent dough from getting soggy during reheating, I prefer warming the meatballs in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps maintain their crisp golden wrapping. Microwaving works too, but the texture changes a bit.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of meat for the Mummy Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, pork, or even a mix. Just keep similar fat content in mind to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful. Adjust baking times slightly if using lean meats to avoid drying out.
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Is it possible to make the Mummy Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and find a gluten-free crescent dough or make your own dough with almond or coconut flour to wrap around the meatballs. Just be sure to check all labels carefully.
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How do I prevent the crescent dough from burning while baking?
Keep a close eye after about 10 minutes. If it’s browning too quickly, loosely cover the tray with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This keeps the dough golden without getting crispy or burnt.
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Can I prepare the meatballs ahead and bake them later?
Definitely! Shape the meatballs and wrap them in dough, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great when you want to prep in advance for a party or busy day.
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What’s the best way to store leftover Mummy Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to keep the dough crispy and the meat juicy.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the thing—this Mummy Meatballs Recipe isn’t just adorable; it’s a total crowd-pleaser that brings out smiles every time. I used to struggle with finding easy Halloween-themed dishes that were actually tasty, but this one nailed both looks and flavor from the start. Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or just want to jazz up dinner with some fun, you’re going to find these mummies easy to love and hard to put down. Give it a go—you’ll thank me later!
PrintMummy Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 – 10 mummy meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mummy Meatballs are a fun and spooky twist on classic meatballs, perfect for Halloween parties or themed dinners. Ground beef meatballs are wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to resemble mummies and baked until golden. The final touch of mustard eyes adds character and a playful vibe to this easy-to-make appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dough and Decoration
- 1 8-oz. tube Pillsbury crescent roll sheet
- Yellow mustard, for decorating eyes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and the large egg. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly using a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Shape meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced to allow for wrapping and baking. Set aside.
- Prepare crescent dough strips: Slice the crescent roll sheet in half widthwise, then cut each half into long, thin strips. These strips will be used to wrap around the meatballs to create the mummy effect.
- Wrap meatballs: Carefully wrap each meatball with the crescent dough strips, leaving small gaps unwrapped where the eyes will be placed later. Ensure the dough is secure but not overly thick.
- Bake meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the crescent dough is golden brown. If the dough begins to brown too quickly, cover the sheet loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Add mustard eyes and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use yellow mustard to dot two eyes on each mummy meatball at the spaces left during wrapping. Serve warm as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for a vibrant flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed.
- To ensure even cooking, try to make meatballs of consistent size.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount to 1 clove.
- You can substitute the crescent roll sheet with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- These meatballs can be served with dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mummy meatball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg