This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission on purchases. I only recommend products I trust or have vetted for quality. See my privacy policy for details.
**30 MINUTES | NOT TOO TRICKY | SERVES 4**
**Nutrition per Serving:**
– 450 Cals, 25g Protein, 35g Carbs, 30g Fat, 8g Sugar
**Meatballs with a Crunch: The Perfect Combination!**
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and your kids are already assembling a protest around the dinner table because, heaven forbid, you serve them plain ol’ pasta again. Enter these ricotta meatballs, with a dazzling crispy topping that’ll have even the pickiest eaters singing your praises (or at least quieting down for a bite).
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe from [Pinch of Yum](https://pinchofyum.com/ricotta-meatballs-with-the-crispy-topping) while on a quest to up my weeknight dinner game—because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel like a culinary wizard when really you just want to keep the peace at the dinner table? These meatballs not only deliver on flavor but also present the unique challenge of timing multiple dishes so everything comes together flawlessly.
So grab your aprons and get ready for a meatball magic trick that’s bound to make dinner feel a little more special. And by special, I mean less frantic and more fun—what’s your secret weapon for keeping the family meal both delicious and stress-free? Let’s share notes in the comments!
**Ingredients List:**
**For the Ricotta Meatballs:**
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Crispy Topping:**
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
**The Basics:**
1. Preheat the oven.
2. Mix the meatball ingredients and shape into balls.
3. Prepare the crispy topping.
4. Bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
**Detailed Instructions with Timing Notes:**
1. **Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)** *(Time: 0:00 – 0:10)*
– Essential to get that crispy crust. While it heats up, start mixing your meatball ingredients!
2. **Step 2: Mix ricotta meatball ingredients in a large bowl** *(Time: 0:10 – 0:20)*
– Make sure everything is well combined. Pro tip: If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried works too!
3. **Step 3: Form meatballs and place them on a baking sheet** *(Time: 0:20 – 0:25)*
– Aim for golf ball-sized meatballs for even cooking.
4. **Step 4: Prepare the crispy topping by mixing the ingredients** *(Time: 0:25 – 0:30)*
– Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil, and seasonings.
5. **Step 5: Top meatballs with the crispy mixture and bake** *(Time: 0:30 – 0:40)*
– Bake until golden—usually around 20 minutes.
6. **Step 6: Serve hot with sauce of your choice** *(Time: 0:40 – 0:45)*
– Don’t forget the garlic bread on the side for the ultimate experience!
**Timing Table:**
| Step | Start Time | Duration | Notes |
|——————————-|————|———-|————————|
| Preheat oven | 0:00 | 10 mins | Essential for timing |
| Mix ricotta meatball mixture | 0:10 | 10 mins | Get those hands messy! |
| Form meatballs | 0:20 | 5 mins | Golf ball size, please!|
| Prepare crispy topping | 0:25 | 5 mins | Get ready for crunch! |
| Bake meatballs | 0:30 | 20 mins | Enjoy the smells! |
| Serve | 0:40 | 5 mins | Garnish if fancy! |
**Pro Tips and Tricks:**
– While the meatballs bake, prep a fresh salad or some garlic bread. Multitasking is your friend!
– Leftover meatballs? Heat them up in the microwave or on low heat in a pan. They taste even better the next day!
**Serving and Presentation:**
– To keep your meatballs looking stylish and warm, place them on a warm plate and add a drizzle of sauce. Garnish with extra parsley for that chef touch!
**Shopping List:**
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt & black pepper
– Olive oil
– Dried Italian herbs
**Need additional help?**
If you’re struggling with the steps for [this delicious ricotta meatball recipe](https://pinchofyum.com/ricotta-meatballs-with-the-crispy-topping), I recommend taking a look at their recipe and checking out the drool-worthy pictures they provide.
