Crispy Sesame Meatballs with Grana Padano and Dill

Sesame-Crusted Meatballs (Polpettine in Crosta di Sesamo)

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 38 meatballs

These Sesame-Crusted Meatballs are the perfect bite-sized appetizers, featuring a savory combination of pork and beef, all encased in a crispy sesame seed coating. The aromatic touch of fresh dill and a dash of grated Grana Padano cheese enhance the flavors, while the sesame seeds add an irresistible crunch. Whether served as a starter for a dinner party or enjoyed as a snack, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Crumbs: Start by cutting the crust off the whole wheat bread. Cut the remaining bread into small cubes, then crumble them in a food processor or mixer to create fine bread crumbs. Set the breadcrumbs aside.

2. Chop the Dill: Finely chop the fresh dill and set it aside.

3. Mix the Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Use your hands to mix the two types of meat thoroughly.

4. Add Bread Crumbs & Cheese: Add the crumbled bread to the meat mixture, followed by the grated Grana Padano cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

5. Season: Add the finely chopped dill, egg, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated and the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.

6. Form the Meatballs: With your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 20g each) and shape them into small meatballs. You should have about 38 meatballs.

7. Coat in Sesame Seeds: Place the white sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Roll each meatball in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are well-coated. Repeat this step until all the meatballs are covered in sesame seeds.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a static oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help them crisp up during baking. Bake for approximately 25 minutes in a static oven or 15-20 minutes in a fan-assisted oven.

9. Serve: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot as an appetizer, garnished with a little extra dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

These sesame-crusted meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. The combination of tender meat, aromatic dill, and crunchy sesame coating makes them absolutely irresistible. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe combines classic flavors with a twist, and the crispy sesame crust brings out a delightful texture that will have your guests coming back for more!