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Herby Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta and Caper-olive Topping Recipe

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4 from 67 reviews

These Herby Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta combine juicy, flavorful meatballs infused with fresh and dried herbs, served with a luscious, creamy whipped feta blended with roasted garlic. The dish is topped with a vibrant caper and olive mixture, making it a perfect hearty and elegant meal, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic and Whipped Feta

  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (for roasting garlic)
  • 8 ounce block feta cheese
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (parsley, dill, chives, mint)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (to blend into whipped feta)

Meatballs

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (dill, parsley, chives, mint)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking meatballs)

Topping and Garnish

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3.5 ounce jar capers, drained (reserve brine)
  • 1 cup pitted, sliced Castelvetrano olives
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped herbs for garnish
  • Crispy baked French fries, for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast Garlic: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the head of garlic in half horizontally, drizzle the cut sides with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil. Roast for 60 minutes until soft and fragrant. Allow it to cool until you can handle it safely. Keep the oven on to bake fries later if desired.
  2. Prepare Creamy Feta: Remove the roasted garlic cloves from their skin and add them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add crumbled feta cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs, and season with a couple large pinches of kosher salt and cracked pepper. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Make the Panade: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, stirring until a paste forms. Stir in the beaten egg and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. This soft mixture will keep the meatballs moist.
  4. Form the Meatballs: To the panade, add the ground beef, minced garlic, fresh herbs, dried oregano, rubbed sage, kosher salt, and cracked pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form golf ball-sized meatballs evenly.
  5. Cook Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, cooking in batches, and brown them on all sides until a golden crust forms and they are almost cooked through. Transfer browned meatballs to a baking sheet and place in the oven at 350°F to finish cooking and keep warm.
  6. Make the Topping: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. After a minute, add the drained capers, sliced Castelvetrano olives, lemon zest, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of reserved caper brine, scraping up any browned bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Plate the Dish: Spread the whipped feta in a visually appealing layer on a serving platter. Arrange the warm meatballs on top of the feta. Spoon the caper and olive topping over the meatballs. Garnish with additional fresh chopped herbs and serve alongside crispy baked French fries. Enjoy!
  8. Leave a Review: If you loved this recipe, consider leaving a 5-star rating and a review to share your experience.

Notes

  • The panade helps keep meatballs moist and tender; do not skip this step.
  • Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, adding depth to the whipped feta.
  • You can substitute ground lamb or a beef-lamb mix for a different flavor profile.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and taste.
  • The leftover caper brine adds tang and helps deglaze the pan efficiently.
  • Pair with crispy baked fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/herby-meatballs-with-roasted-garlic-whipped-feta-and-caper-olive-topping-recipe/