Cheesy Italian Meatball Pockets Recipes

JUMBO CHEESY ITALIAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Pulse the bread in a food processor to make coarse crumbs. Transfer to a small bowl, add the milk and set aside to soak. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl, then add the beef, parsley, parmesan, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes; mix with your hands to combine. Add the bread-milk mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
• Dampen your hands and shape the meat mixture into 4 large balls. Make an indentation in the center of each with your thumb and stuff with a mini mozzarella ball, then mold the meat around the cheese. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake until browned and firm, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic softens, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup water, the basil sprigs and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the sauce, spooning some of the sauce on top. Continue cooking, occasionally spooning the sauce over the meatballs, until tender and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Serve with ricotta and chopped basil.
• You can form all of these meatballs a day ahead; cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

CHEESY ITALIAN MEATBALL POCKETS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place marinara sauce in a medium bowl and add meatballs halves; toss to coat in the sauce.
• Remove crescent dough sheet from the can and place on a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a well defined rectangle and cut into 4 equal rectangles.
• Place 6 meatball halves cut-side down onto one of the rectangles, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spoon a bit of the sauce over the meatballs and top with 3 tablespoons Italian cheese. Repeat with another rectangle.
• Brush the border of each rectangle with beaten egg. Cover fillings with remaining rectangles, pinching edges with your fingers and straightening them as you go. Crimp the edges with a fork. Transfer both pockets to the baking sheet using a spatula. Brush with some beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve with remaining marinara sauce for dipping.