If you’re looking for a fun and spooky snack that’s sure to become a Halloween hit, I absolutely love sharing this Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe with friends and family. It’s super easy, irresistibly cute, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or just when you want to spice up your dinner routine. Trust me, once you try these little wrapped-up mummies, you’ll find yourself making them again every October—and maybe even beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand already, making this a no-stress Halloween treat.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Wrapping the dough around meatballs is a blast for little helpers—and they gobble them up!
- Quick and Delicious: Ready in just about 30 minutes, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create the perfect combo of juicy meat, flaky dough, and spooky little eyes—giving you that iconic mummy look. The trick is using crescent roll dough because it stretches beautifully and browns just right.
- Meatballs: I find pre-cooked frozen meatballs work great—they save time and keep things consistent.
- Crescent roll dough: Use half a package, and cut it into thin strips for the mummy “bandages.” Fresh dough stretches better and browns nicely.
- Pepperoni: These act as the ‘eyes’ of your mummies; mini pepperoni or slicing regular ones into small circles works perfectly.
- Sauce of choice: Marinara is a classic, but try BBQ, pesto, or even cheese sauce depending on your vibe.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I love mixing it up to suit different tastes or dietary needs, which also keeps things exciting when I’m making it year after year.
- Meat Options: I’ve tried ground turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version, and they still turn out great wrapped up like little mummies.
- Vegan Twist: Using plant-based meatballs and vegan crescent dough lets you share the fun with everyone.
- Eye Choices: Black olive slices, small bits of bell pepper, or edible markers work well if you want to skip pepperoni.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or garlic powder to your meatballs before wrapping for a little extra kick.
How to Make Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough Strips
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F because you want that heat ready to go when you’re done assembling. Then unwrap half the crescent roll dough package and slice it into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide—this makes for the perfect “bandages” that cling without breaking.
Step 2: Wrap the Meatballs
Here’s the fun part! Take one or two thin dough strips and gently wrap them around each meatball in random, crisscross patterns. Use your fingers to stretch the dough slightly as you go—it helps it stick better while creating that authentic mummy look. Don’t worry about perfection; the haphazard wrap is what makes them adorable.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pop the wrapped meatballs onto a baking sheet and bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and your meatballs are warmed through. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes so the dough doesn’t get too dark.
Step 4: Create the Eyes
While the mummies cool for a few minutes, grab your pepperoni and use a pastry tip or a small round cutter to punch out tiny circles. These will be the eyes. If you don’t have those tools, just cut small circles with a sharp knife or use mini pepperoni slices.
Step 5: Attach the Eyes
For a little edible glue, dab a bit of sauce or even water on the back of each pepperoni eye and press them gently onto the mummy meatballs. This step brings your mummies to life and adds just the right spooky touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these Halloween mummies as finger food with your favorite sauce on the side, or pile them on top of pasta for a festive dinner. I promise, your guests will go crazy for these little guys.
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe
- Stretch Before Wrapping: I discovered this trick when I noticed dough tearing easily; gently stretch your dough strips for a cleaner wrap.
- Use Precooked Meatballs: Frozen, precooked meatballs save time and ensure your mummies heat through without drying out.
- Cool Slightly Before Adding Eyes: Attaching pepperoni eyes while meatballs are too hot causes them to slide off—let them cool for a few minutes first.
- Don’t Overbake: Keeping an eye on the dough prevents it from burning while still achieving a perfect golden mummy look.
How to Serve Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking—it gives a fresh color contrast against the golden dough. Sometimes I add a dash of shredded cheese for a gooey finish. These tiny touches make the dish look even more irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
For an easy feast, I usually pair these mummies with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. Mashed potatoes or garlic bread are perfect, too, especially if you want a heartier meal. If it’s a party, setting out bowls of marinara and ranch dressing makes dipping super fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Halloween party, I once served these meatballs standing up on toothpicks as edible “mummy pops” — super cute and less messy! You can also arrange them in a circle on a large platter with “bloody” marinara sauce in the center dipping bowl for that extra spooky effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover mummy meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven to keep the dough slightly crispy instead of soggy.
Freezing
These actually freeze really well! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warm, which helps maintain the dough’s texture.
Reheating
For best results, I reheat mummy meatballs in the oven rather than the microwave. Microwave makes the dough chewy, but baking them at 350°F for about 10 minutes brings back that crispy, fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
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Can I use raw meatballs for this Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe?
You can, but the key is to pre-cook them according to package instructions first. Then wrap and bake for only 12-15 minutes so the dough browns but the meatballs don’t overcook. Wrapping raw meatballs directly and baking longer might affect how well the dough bakes.
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What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a decent substitute, though it can be pricier and less stretchy than crescent dough. Alternatively, some people try refrigerated biscuit dough cut into strips, but I find crescent dough holds the mummy shape best.
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How do I make the eyes stick better to the meatballs?
Dab a little sauce or water on the back of your pepperoni or olive eyes before pressing them onto the meatballs. Also, wait a few minutes after baking so they’re slightly cooled but still a bit tacky to help them adhere better.
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Are these Halloween Mummy Meatballs kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The wrapping process is a fun activity for kids to help with, and the final product is super appetizing for little ones. Plus, the mild flavors and finger-food form make them party pleasers for all ages.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s as joyful to make as it is delicious to eat. I love how it transforms a simple appetizer into a festive delight that brings smiles and a bit of magic to the table every year. Give it a go—you’re going to have so much fun wrapping those tiny mummies, and I can almost guarantee they’ll disappear fast at your next spooky gathering!
Print
Halloween Mummy Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Halloween Mummy Meatballs are a fun and festive appetizer perfect for spooky celebrations. Juicy precooked meatballs are wrapped in thin crescent roll dough strips to resemble mummies, then baked until golden and crispy. Decorated with pepperoni eyes, they’re a delightful treat to serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta, making them a hit for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 16 precooked meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide
Dough Wrapping
- 4 crescent roll dough triangles (half a package of 8)
Eyes
- 3 slices of pepperoni (or alternative eye options like olives, mustard dots, ketchup, or pieces of peppers)
Serving
- Desired sauce for serving (such as marinara, pesto, alfredo, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, or sweet and sour)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the mummy meatballs.
- Prepare Dough Strips: Unwrap the crescent roll dough and cut half of the package (4 triangles) into thin strips approximately 1/4 inch wide. These strips will be used to wrap the meatballs.
- Wrap Meatballs: Take one or two strips of dough and gently wrap them around each meatball in a haphazard mummy bandage pattern. Hold one end in place while pulling to slightly stretch the dough, and press it against itself to stick securely. Continue wrapping until all meatballs are covered, adding more strips as needed to create a mummy effect.
- Bake Meatballs: Place wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Eyes: While the meatballs bake, cut out small circles from pepperoni slices using the tip end of a piping tip or a small hole punch to create the mummy eyes.
- Attach Eyes: After removing the meatballs from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, use a small dab of sauce or water to adhere two pepperoni eyes onto each mummy meatball.
- Serve: Serve the mummy meatballs warm, either on top of pasta or alongside your choice of dipping sauce for a spooky and delicious Halloween treat.
Notes
- Frozen, precooked meatballs are ideal for this recipe to keep prep quick and easy. If using raw meatballs, cook them according to package instructions and start wrapping about 15 minutes before they finish cooking.
- Mini pepperoni can work for eyes but may be a bit large; alternatively use dots of mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, pieces of olives, or peppers for creative eye options.
- Select a dipping sauce that complements your chosen eye decoration. Marinara, pesto, alfredo, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, or sweet and sour sauce all work well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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