Gnome Meatball Appetizers

Meatballs with cheese beards and a olive hat to make a gnome.

5 from 4 votes

Gnome-Approved Meatballs: The Perfect Party Appetizer! Meat, mozzarella and tangy olives make a cute delicious recipe that will be a hit! These snacks will definitely have your guests saying "Gnome kidding, these are amazing!"

Total Time45

Yield: people

Author: Amy Locurto

Equipment

Appetizer toothpicks

Plastic Straw

Food prep gloves

Calories: 105kcal

Ingredients

1 package of ready-made meatballs or homemade meatballs
½ cup marinara sauce
½ cup cream cheese softened
½ cup fresh mozzarella
3 slices cheddar cheese thick cut
24 queen olives
fresh basil leaves optional
4 Radishes and lettuce for garnish

Homemade Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup milk
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

Ready-Made Meatballs

Slice the meatballs into thirds. Using your hands, shape the meat into three smaller balls about half an inch round. Continue until you have at least 24 small meatballs.

Homemade Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and basil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into small balls about half an inch round.

Gnome Meatballs

Heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the sauce is hot, add the meatballs and stir to coat. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
While the meatballs are simmering, slice the bottom off of each olive.
Using a straw, cut circles out of the cheddar cheese slices for the Gnome nose.
In a large bowl, add the mozzarella and cream cheese. With a hand mixer on low, whip the cheese until soft and mixed. This will form the Gnome’s beard.
Once the meatballs are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before assembling your gnome.
Use a serving knife to scoop out a small amount of cheese mixture and gently press it onto a meatball.
Carefully place a queen olive on top of each meatball with the cut side down. Then, place a basil leaf on top of the olive to create the Gnome hat.
Hold your Gnome appetizer in place with a toothpick, then add the cheese nose for the final touch.
Serve with toadstool radishes by slicing the skin off of a radish, then slicing the bottom half to form a mushroom shape.

Notes

Wear food prep gloves if serving at a party.

Plan To Make This?Please share if you do. Mention @LivingLocurto or tag #LivingLocurto on Instagram. We'd love to see!

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizer, cheese, gnomes, meat, meatballs, olives, party food, Snack

Nutrition