Looking for a new way to make a delicious and budget-friendly meal? These Cheesy Bread Balls are a fantastic twist on the classic dish! Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they are perfect for a comforting family dinner.
If you love traditional meatballs, you’ll enjoy this creative, meat-free version. They’re packed with flavor and pair wonderfully with a fresh seasonal salad or a side of pasta.
Ingredients:
For the Cheesy Bread Balls:
- 7 oz (about 2 ½ cups) bread (preferably day-old, crust removed)
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (or any other hard cheese)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (if needed for texture)
- Olive oil, for frying
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Tear the bread into small pieces and soak it in milk for about 10 minutes.
- Add the grated cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined. If the mixture is too wet, add breadcrumbs gradually until it holds together.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and fry them until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until soft. Add the tomato sauce, salt, sugar, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Serve warm with a side of salad, pasta, or crusty bread.
