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So last night’s meatball/Frikkadel/kofta etc was Keftedes – The Greek Frikkadel I did them stuffed with feta, so enjoy these Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese.
Some background information on Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese
While there might not be a specific historical for “Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese,” the components of this dish are rooted in Greek culinary traditions. Greek cuisine is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and a combination of flavors that create delicious and wholesome dishes. Let’s explore the key elements:
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes):
Keftedes are Greek meatballs, typically made with ground meat (often a mixture of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, onions, herbs (such as mint and parsley), and various spices.
These meatballs are seasoned and shaped into small rounds before being cooked. They are a popular appetizer or main course in Greek cuisine.
Feta Cheese:
Feta is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a tangy and salty flavor and a crumbly texture.
Feta is commonly used in Greek salads, pastries, and various dishes to add a distinctive and savory taste.
Stuffing with Feta:
The concept of stuffing meatballs with cheese is a creative twist that enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Feta, with its bold taste, complements the seasoned meat mixture.
Baked Preparation:
Baking the meatballs instead of frying them is a healthier alternative and adds a different texture to the dish. Baking allows the meatballs to cook evenly and retain moisture while providing a golden crust.
Greek Culinary Heritage:
Greek cuisine has a rich history influenced by Mediterranean flavors and culinary traditions. Many Greek dishes incorporate a variety of herbs, olive oil, and fresh ingredients.
Meatballs, in various forms, have been a part of Greek culinary heritage for centuries, adapting to local tastes and seasonal ingredients.
Modern Variations:
As with many traditional dishes, modern cooks often put their spin on recipes. Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese may have variations in the choice of herbs, spices, or even the type of meat used.
While the specific combination of baked Greek meatballs stuffed with Feta may be a contemporary interpretation, the elements themselves draw from the rich tapestry of Greek culinary history. The dish showcases the creativity and adaptability of traditional recipes to suit evolving tastes and preferences.
What are Greek meatballs made of?
They are made with a combination of ground pork (you could also use ground lamb) and ground beef and plenty of fresh herbs and garlic. Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but these meatballs are also so easy to make.
Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Try our Baked Greek Meatballs Stuffed with Feta Cheese. Perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and oh-so-cheesy. You won’t be able to resist these little gems of Greek goodness.
Ingredients
- 500 gr lean ground beef
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp dried dill
- 2 tbsp mint
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 egg
- 100 g feta cheese
- 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 200C
- Cut crusts of bread, soak in water, and squeeze out excess water.
- Finely chop onion, garlic, and fresh herbs (or process).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with chopped herbs, onion & garlic.
- Add bread, and vinegar, and mix.
- Add olive oil and egg and mix well.
- Refrigerate for an hour.
- Form into equal-sized balls
- Cube feta into ½-inch cubes
- Flatten each meatball in the palm of your hand, place the feta cube in the center, and close again forming a round ball.
- Place on a parchment-lined oven baking sheet pan and bake at 200oC / 392-400oF for 25-35 minutes or until desired doneness.
- You can also, as I did, air-fry them at 180oC/356oF for 12 minutes but do check after 10 minutes.
Recipe Source: Ken’s Grèek Table
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Melanie from The Recipe Hunter: Tried and Tested Recipes from Home Chefs; SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g of lean beef (± 1/4 of the dish)
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 551.2 mg
- Fat: 24.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34.5 g
- Cholesterol: 143.8 mg
What is the secret to tender meatballs?
The true secret is day-old bread, soaked in milk or water, to bring lightness to the mixture. When you cook beef, pork, or veal for too long, it starts to get tougher. But the bread in meatballs never gets tough. Use a lot of bread and your meatballs will be perfectly tender.
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yummy and cheesy just what my bunch loves sounds very filling as well. Thanks for sharing come see us at http://shopannies.com see what we shared
Hi Angie. So happy that you think your bunch will enjoy this. truly hope they do. We love meatballs and when stuffed so much the better. Enjoy it
Wow, Never thought of adding feta. Great idea! #SeniorSalonPitstop
Hi Lydia, Hope you will try it, we love fetta in meatballs. Thanks for visiting
Yum! My favorite turkey meatballs are mixed with mozerella, parmesan, and fresh basil. I always use oatmeal. I bet you’re making a delicious Valentine’s treat tonight.
Hi Sharon. Thank you for popping in. We do not celebrate V-day! Our philosophy, we cherish and value our partner/husband daily and do not need one day a year to do it. I know it’s maybe very out of character, but that’s just us. We are happily married for almost 47 years already and never had the need for it. Should you participate, have fun and enjoy it.
Wow, these sound delicious! Pinning, thank you Esme.
Thanks Melynda. Hope you will enjoy them