Spooky Good! Halloween Mummy Meatballs That Steal the Show

Every October, I crave recipes that blend nostalgia with a sprinkle of chaos. Halloween is my excuse to create culinary monsters, and these mummy meatballs are no exception. They turn a simple dinner into a playful, edible spectacle that kids and grown-ups adore.

What makes this recipe special is how approachable it is. Combining familiar flavors with a touch of dress-up makes dinner feel like a little celebration. Plus, the aroma of seasoned meatballs baking with crispy cheese bandages is irresistible — it’s pure comfort with a spooky twist.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

• The way the cheesy bandages add crispy texture and salty punch
• How easily these turn my kitchen into a Halloween scene
• The joyful chaos of helping kids decorate their own mummies
• The nostalgic rush of childhood trick-or-treat memories

Halloween Mummy Meatballs

These mummy meatballs are made by shaping seasoned ground meat into balls, baking them until cooked through, and wrapping them with crispy cheese strips to resemble bandages. The final dish features tender meatballs decorated with crunchy cheese accents, giving a playful and spooky appearance suitable for Halloween celebrations.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey for leaner option
• 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko for crunch
• 1 eggs egg lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese for crisp cheese strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Cooking parchment or silicone mat
• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Small sharp knife
• Cooking brush

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated—this helps the meatballs hold together during baking.
3. Shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The interior should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. While the meatballs bake, grate the cheddar cheese using a fine grater. Spread the grated cheese on a piece of parchment and microwave in short bursts until melted and spreadable—about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Spread the melted cheese evenly over a new sheet of parchment. Using a small sharp knife, cut thin strips lengthwise to resemble mummy bandages; aim for irregular, jagged edges for a spooky effect.
7. Once the meatballs are done baking and slightly cooled, brush them lightly with olive oil to help the cheese strips stick better.
8. Wrap each meatball with several cheese strips, overlapping them to mimic bandages, and press gently so they stay in place. Leave some space on the surface to add more cheese strips for a more mummified look.
9. Place the decorated meatballs back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese strips become crispy and golden around the edges, adding a crunchy texture.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve these spooky mummy meatballs with your favorite sides or dip. Enjoy the crispy bites and playful presentation!

Notes

For an extra spooky touch, add small olive eyes or peppercorns to the cheese bandages before baking.

These mummy meatballs are more than just a fun dish — they’re a chance to bring some delight and mischief to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cozy, festive dinner, they fit right into the season’s spirit.

Making them is straightforward, and the playful presentation is enough to spark smiles all around. As the evening settles, the smell of baked cheese and seasoned meat will linger, promising a memorable Halloween feast for everyone involved.