Donkey Balls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Donkey Balls are a fun and flavorful snack that combines all the savory goodness of a meatball with extra cheese and spices. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika gives them a deliciously smoky and rich flavor, while the cheese adds a creamy texture. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and perfect for sharing at parties, tailgates, or even as a simple dinner with sides. Plus, you can customize the recipe with your favorite spices or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for glaze)

• Salt to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Donkey Balls
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
   Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs (or larger if preferred).

3. Bake the Donkey Balls
   Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef).

4. Optional Glaze
   If you’d like a sweet and tangy glaze on top of the Donkey Balls, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Brush this glaze over the meatballs about 5 minutes before they’re done baking.

5. Serve
   Once the Donkey Balls are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
   Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16-20 Donkey Balls

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.

• Make It a Slider: Serve the Donkey Balls on small buns with some lettuce and tomato for a fun and filling slider option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Donkey Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked Donkey Balls for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

• Reheating: To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe. It will give you a lighter version of the Donkey Balls, but they’ll still be delicious.

2. How do I prevent the Donkey Balls from drying out?

Make sure to not overcook them. Once they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), they’re done. You can also add a little extra moisture with the Worcestershire sauce or ketchup for a juicier bite.

3. Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can prep the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for later use.

4. Can I bake them in a different temperature range?

If you’re short on time, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C), but keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. The cooking time will likely reduce by a few minutes.

5. Can I make them larger or smaller?

Absolutely! If you prefer larger meatballs, simply adjust the baking time accordingly. For smaller ones, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

6. Can I substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers.

7. Can I use a different sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even a little bit of hot sauce for a tangy twist.

8. Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

9. How do I know when the Donkey Balls are cooked through?

The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked properly.

10. What dipping sauces go well with these Donkey Balls?

These Donkey Balls pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or a creamy mustard dip.

Conclusion

Donkey Balls are a savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned snack that’s perfect for parties, appetizers, or just a tasty treat. With the option to customize the flavors and fillings, you can make them your own and enjoy them however you like. Whether served with a sweet glaze or your favorite sauce, these mini meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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