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Mini BBQ Meatball Brains
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Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, and salt. Mix with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into small ovals. Use a knife to make shallow curved lines across the top of each oval to create a brain-like pattern.
  • Place the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
  • Transfer the baked meatballs to a large skillet set over medium heat. Pour the barbecue sauce over them and stir gently to coat.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring once, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meatballs.
  • Sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Form the meatballs a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake and sauce them right before guests arrive. If the barbecue sauce thickens too much during simmering, add a splash of water to loosen it. The parsley adds a small color contrast that makes the brain details stand out more on a platter.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Large Skillet