Alright, let’s be real—who doesn’t love bite-sized food that’s both adorable and ridiculously tasty? These Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Bites are the kind of appetizer that’ll make you look like the hostess with the mostest.
But here’s the catch—it’s just pasta, frozen meatballs, and store-bought sauce. No need for a Michelin star, I promise. I first whipped these up for a last-minute gathering, and let’s just say they were gone before I could even grab a plate. Make them and watch them disappear—no one has to know how easy it was!
Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Appetizers
Equipment
- Mini cupcake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or shot glass
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 4 ounces angel hair pasta broken in half
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 small jar about 15 ounces prepared pasta sauce
- 20- ounce bag frozen mini Italian meatballs about 40 meatballs, thawed
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a mini cupcake pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix the Pasta Nests: Add the beaten egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooled pasta. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined and sticky.
- Form the Nests: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pasta mixture into each cupcake hole. Press down with your fingers to form a nest shape. Use a shot glass or the back of a wooden spoon handle to create an indent in the center.
- Bake the Nests: Place the mini cupcake pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta nests are firm and lightly browned on the bottom.
- Heat Meatballs and Sauce: While the nests are baking, heat the pasta sauce and thawed meatballs in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer until fully warmed through.
- Cool the Nests: Once the pasta nests are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes to set and firm up.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Place one meatball on top of each cooled pasta nest. Stick a toothpick into each meatball to secure it in place.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little extra pasta sauce over each meatball and top with a fresh basil leaf for garnish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Bites: The Secrets Only a Pro (or Lazy Chef) Knows 🍝🤫
🧀 Cheese Upgrade:
Sure, mozzarella and Parmesan are great, but if you’re feeling fancy (or just tired of the same old), throw in some provolone or even a little ricotta for extra creaminess. Who says you can’t make these nests a little extra?
🍝 Pasta Swap:
Angel hair is fine, but let’s be real—spaghetti is what we all think of when it comes to these bites. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try penne or fusilli. Noodles are noodles, right? Just don’t use macaroni—let’s not get too wild.
🥄 Egg Disaster Solution:
You know that moment when you crack an egg and it splashes everywhere? Yeah, I’ve been there. Just beat it in a separate bowl first (I know, groundbreaking advice). That way, you can mix the pasta and eggs without scrambling them into an accidental omelet.
❄️ Frozen Meatball Hack:
Frozen meatballs are your best friend, but if you wanna level up a little, grab the Italian-style ones—trust me, it makes a difference. Or better yet, swap in some pre-cooked cocktail meatballs for even less effort. You’re welcome.
🔥 Oven Time Troubles:
Everyone’s oven is a little different, right? Keep an eye on those nests while they bake! If they start getting too brown too quickly, just cover them with foil and let them chill for the last few minutes. You don’t need crispy pasta nests… unless that’s your vibe.
🍅 Sauce Drama:
You know those jars of pasta sauce that sit in the back of your pantry? It’s time to break them out. But don’t just dump it in and call it a day—add a dash of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Your guests won’t know you didn’t make the sauce from scratch (they don’t need to).
🌿 Garnish, or Nah:
Throwing a basil leaf on top of these bites doesn’t just make them look fancy—it also gives them that “I know what I’m doing” vibe. But honestly, if basil’s too much of a hassle, just leave it off. It’ll still taste just as good.
