Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsWest Side Bar & GrillHandmade Meatballs Recipe

Handmade Meatballs Recipe

Time1h
Serves6

House Marinara, Melted Mozzarella, Toasted Garlic Crostinis

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Toasted Garlic Crostinis

Topped Meatballs

Method

Meatballs Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix the Meatball Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    Bake the Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and browned.

House Marinara Preparation

  1. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  3. 6

    Finish the Marinara

    Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Toasted Garlic Crostinis Preparation

  1. 7

    Prepare the Baguette

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.

  2. 8

    Brush with Olive Oil

    Brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil and season with salt.

  3. 9

    Toast the Crostinis

    Bake the baguette slices in the oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

  4. 10

    Rub with Garlic

    Remove the toasted baguette from the oven and immediately rub the tops with the whole garlic cloves for added flavor.

Assembly and Serving

  1. 11

    Combine Meatballs and Marinara

    In a large serving dish, add the baked meatballs and pour the house marinara over the top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

  2. 12

    Melt the Cheese

    Place the dish under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

  3. 13

    Serve with Crostinis

    Serve the meatballs with toasted garlic crostinis on the side for dipping.

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