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Meat
Medium
8 Servings
Allergens 
1 Hour
Diets
No Diets specified
This family-style appetizer went over really well even with the adults. The pretzel sticks are extra crunchy after baking and are a good contrast to the well-seasoned meatballs. The tomato dipping sauce is simple to make and really tasty. It can be made in advance and frozen.
1 pound (1/2 kilogram) ground beef
1 pound (1/2 kilogram) ground turkey
1 and 1/3 cups Gefen Panko Crumbs, divided
1/4 cup soy milk
4 large eggs
1 large handful chopped fresh parsley, leaves only
1 large handful chopped fresh basil, leaves only
4 cloves garlic, minced or 4 cubes Gefen Frozen Garlic
1 teaspoon Manischewitz Kosher Salt
pinch of black pepper
1–2 pinches red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup walnut pieces
thick pretzel sticks
14 ounces (400 grams) crushed tomatoes in tomato juice, such as Tuscanini Crushed Tomatoes
1 red pepper, halved
1 onion, halved
olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
pinch pepper
Gefen Garlic Powder, to taste
fresh basil, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with Gefen Parchment Paper and spray lightly with oil spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, turkey, 1/3 cup panko crumbs, soy milk, and eggs. Mix together well.
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the knife attachment, place the parsley, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper, olive oil, and walnut pieces. Process until the mixture is finely chopped. Add to the meat mixture in the bowl. Mix until well combined.
Place the remaining one cup of panko crumbs on a large plate. Roll the meat mixture into medium-sized balls and roll in the panko to fully coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet, slightly apart. Spray balls well with cooking spray.
Gently press a pretzel stick into the center of each meatball, taking care that it is straight. Carefully place tray in oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until done. Don’t overbake or the meatballs will dry out.
Yields 30 meatballs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Place pepper and onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes or until beginning to char.
Peel pepper. Blend pepper, onion, and canned tomatoes in a food processor fitted with the knife attachment until well blended but still chunky.
Add seasoning and pulse until incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Place dipping sauce in a small bowl on a tray with the meatball sticks.
Garnish with basil ribbons.
Food and Prop Styling by Renee Muller
Photography by Moshe Wulliger
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Seems hard to freeze with the pretzel. Please advise. Thanks
I would not recommend freezing with the pretzel. You could freeze the meatballs by themselves and then assemble them once cooked.