Mozzarella-Stuffed Pork + Bacon Meatballs

I’ve always been a big fan of meatballs. To me, the meatball is a perfect little food delivery vehicle that – when done properly – can rival any fine dinning menu offering. I also like to think that I’m a pretty talented meatball maker and have a patent on the “Super surprise Meatball” (aka cheese stuffed) – something that I’ve been making for my family for decades.

This meatball recipe is based on that original cheese-stuffed masterpiece, but introduces some new protein and flavour combinations. It’s also Keto-friendly. The pork and bacon combine perfectly with the spinach and mozzarella cheese, resulting in a truly amazing meatball. They’re great on their own and even better when paired with toasted pepitas and an awesome sauce like our Creamy Parmesan-Dill Dressing.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Global

Calories: 770

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs ground pork
10 strips cooked bacon chopped
1 1/4 cups Keto crackers crushed
1 large egg
1/2 cup mozzarella cubed
1 cup baby spinach washed + chopped
1 shallot minced
1 tbsp chicken or pork spice/rub (e.g Joe Beef)
1 tbsp butter melted
1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

large baking sheets
large mixing bowl
food processor
measuring cups and spoons

Method

Mise en Place

Assemble equipment. Peel and mince shallots, wash and chop spinach, melt butter, cube mozzarella, measure and separate all ingredients.

Cooking + Assembly

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for approximately 20 minutes until slightly crispy. Place on paper towel to remove excess grease and chop into smaller pieces.
Place Keto crackers in a food processor and pulse until a crumb texture is achieved.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl with the exception of the mozzarella. Mix well until fully combined.
Place a mozzarella cube in the middle of the pork mixture and form into balls (about the size of a pool ball).
Remove from oven and serve on their own or with your favourite sauce or toppings.

Notes

This is a Keto-friendly recipe, but it can also be made non-Keto if there are no dietary restrictions. Simply substitute Panko breadcrumbs for the Keto crackers.

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Mozzarella-Stuffed Pork + Bacon Meatballs