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Meatball Mummies Recipe

If you’re hunting for a fun and irresistibly cute Halloween snack, you’ve got to try my Meatball Mummies Recipe. These little mummies are not just adorable but also super tasty, combining juicy seasoned meatballs with golden, flaky crescent roll wrappings. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every time I make it, and honestly, my family goes crazy for these at parties or even casual dinners. Stick around because I’m about to share all the insider tips to make yours perfectly spooky and delicious!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Kid and Adult Friendly: The combo of meat and crescent rolls is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
  • Quick and Easy Prep: It comes together fast – perfect for last-minute party prep or weeknight dinners.
  • Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust seasonings or add extras to suit your taste buds.
  • Fun Presentation: The mummified look adds a festive, playful vibe to your table that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic happens when simple ingredients play well together—seasoned ground beef wrapped in buttery crescent dough creates this delightfully spooky treat that’s both fun and flavorful. I always recommend using fresh spices and good-quality parmesan; it really elevates the flavor without extra fuss.

  • Lean ground beef: I like lean for less grease but still plenty of flavor; ground turkey also works if you want a lighter option.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender – plain or Italian seasoned both work great.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle saltiness and depth – freshly grated tastes best here.
  • Egg: Acts as the glue to hold everything together in perfect mummy shape.
  • Italian seasoning: Classic, tried-and-true seasoning that brings out that homey Italian flavor profile.
  • Minced dried onion: I discovered this is a great shortcut to add onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
  • Garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic with meatballs?
  • Crescent roll dough: The star for the mummy’s “bandages” – store-bought crescent rolls save so much time here.
  • Candy eyes: For that charming, eerie look – you’ll find these easily in baking aisles around Halloween.
  • Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping, adding a tangy kick and moisture to balance the meatiness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion or what I have in the pantry. This Meatball Mummies Recipe is very forgiving and fun to tailor—don’t hesitate to get creative with it!

  • Spice it up: Once, I tossed in some red pepper flakes for a little heat, and everyone was surprised by the kick!
  • Cheese lovers’ version: Adding small mozzarella cubes inside the meatball makes for a gooey surprise when you bite in.
  • Vegetarian twist: Use plant-based ground “meat” and skip the cheese for a hearty meatless version that still looks wickedly good.
  • Gluten-free option: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use GF crescent dough to keep everyone happy.

How to Make Meatball Mummies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, dried onion, and garlic powder in a big mixing bowl. I like to use my hands here—it gives me a better feel to mix everything evenly without overworking the meat. Don’t rush this part because you want all ingredients well blended for flavorful, tender meatballs.

Step 2: Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and gently roll each into a log shape. You can cook these either on the stove or bake them. When I first tried pan-frying, I found cooking over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping once or twice, locks in juiciness without drying them out. Oven baking at 350°F for 12 minutes works equally well and frees up your stovetop.

Step 3: Wrapping Your Mummies

After cooking, transfer the meat logs to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. While they cool, slice your crescent rolls into thin, long strips. Wrap each “mummy” loosely with the strips, leaving gaps around one end for the eyes to peek through. Don’t wrap too tightly or the dough won’t bake evenly. This is where your creativity shines—each mummy gets its own personality!

Step 4: Baking and Finishing Touches

Place the wrapped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the dough is golden and irresistible. Right when they come out of the oven and are still warm, use a dab of marinara sauce to “glue” the candy eyes on so they stick perfectly. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping—it truly amps up the flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Meatball Mummies Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat leads to tough meatballs; mix just until combined.
  • Loose Wrapping: Wrap dough loosely to allow proper baking and prevent dough from becoming soggy.
  • Cooking Method Choice: Pan-frying locks in juices better, but baking is less hands-on and still delivers juicy results.
  • Use Warm Meatballs for Eyes: Attaching candy eyes to warm meatballs with marinara helps them stick without sliding off.

How to Serve Meatball Mummies Recipe

The image shows six small mummy-shaped snacks arranged on a baking paper-covered tray with a light brown color. Each snack is wrapped in thin, pale yellow dough strips that crisscross to look like mummy bandages. The top part of each snack has two small white eyes with dark centers made from icing or chocolate, giving them a cute and funny face. The snacks are evenly spaced in two rows on the tray, which sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these—sometimes extra marinara sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, and I swear it makes the mummies look extra festive. You could also sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan over the top while they’re hot, which melts beautifully.

Side Dishes

These mummies pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies if you want to keep things balanced. I’ve served them alongside a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I once arranged the Meatball Mummies on a platter with spooky fake cobwebs around, which brought the fun factor way up. Adding little “tombstone” toothpicks with spooky names for each mummy delighted the kids—and you can totally get creative with different colored marinara dips or even a pumpkin-shaped bowl to serve the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find it best to store leftover meatball mummies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Lay them out in a single layer separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking, and you’ll find they reheat beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works really well for these! I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for best texture—this has saved me many times before a party or busy night.

Reheating

The oven is your best friend for reheating. I usually warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the dough crisp and the meat juicy. Microwaving is fast but tends to make the bandages a bit soggy, so I avoid that unless I’m really pressed for time.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Meatball Mummies ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and wrap them in crescent dough ahead of time, refrigerate for a few hours, and bake just before serving. This makes party prep much easier and keeps them fresh and delicious.

  2. What can I use instead of candy eyes?

    If you can’t find candy eyes, you can get creative with small black olives, cut bits of mozzarella with a peppercorn center, or even use tiny dots of mustard or ketchup for eyes.

  3. Can I use premade frozen meatballs for this recipe?

    While you can, I recommend making your own for the best flavor and texture, especially since the meatballs are shaped like mummies. Premade meatballs may not hold the shape or incorporate the wrapping as nicely.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?

    Absolutely! The fun shape and familiar flavors usually win over kids and adults alike. If your picky eater dislikes seasonings, you can skip or reduce garlic and onion powders for a milder taste.

  5. How do I make Meatball Mummies gluten-free?

    Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free pastry dough. Just be mindful of baking times as GF dough can cook a bit differently.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Mummies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together comfort food with a spooky twist that’s perfect for Halloween or any fun family gathering. It’s the kind of dish you can pull off with ease, that gets everyone smiling and coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to for festive meals, and you’ll love sharing this quirky yet delicious creation with friends and family. So grab those crescent rolls and get wrapping—these mummies are waiting to haunt your kitchen (in the best way)!

Print
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Meatball Mummies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 meatball mummies
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These adorable Meatball Mummies are a festive and delicious Halloween appetizer or meal. Ground beef is seasoned and formed into log-shaped meatballs, then wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to resemble mummies. Baked to golden perfection and adorned with candy eyes, they’re perfect for entertaining or a fun family dinner, served with marinara sauce for dipping.


Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon minced dried onion
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Dough and Garnish

  • 1 (8 ounce) can crescent roll dough
  • Candy eyes
  • Marinara sauce for dipping


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the wrapped meatballs.
  2. Mix meatball ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, minced dried onion, and garlic powder until fully incorporated.
  3. Shape meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each into a log shape.
  4. Cook meatballs: You can cook the meatballs either on the stovetop or by baking. For stovetop, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned but not necessarily cooked through. Alternatively, bake them in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes.
  5. Cool the meatballs: Place the cooked meatballs on a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly before wrapping with dough.
  6. Prepare dough strips: Slice the crescent roll dough into long thin strips to use for wrapping.
  7. Wrap meatballs: Wrap each meatball with the crescent dough strips, leaving spaced gaps to mimic mummy wrappings and space for the eyes.
  8. Bake mummies: Arrange the wrapped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Add eyes: While still warm, use a small dab of marinara sauce to affix candy eyes onto each mummy meatball.
  10. Serve: Serve the meatball mummies warm with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • These Meatball Mummies are a fun and spooky recipe perfect for Halloween parties or themed dinners.
  • Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • If you don’t have candy eyes, small dots of cream cheese or mayonnaise with tiny olive pieces make good eye substitutes.
  • Make sure to leave gaps in the dough wrapping to create the mummy effect and show some of the meatball underneath.
  • Leftover meatball mummies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball mummy
  • Calories: 318
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 343 milligrams
  • Fat: 17 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 21 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 20 grams
  • Cholesterol: 79 milligrams

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