Introduction
Discover the joy of cooking with our Grilled Meatball Sandwich recipe, a delectable blend of robust flavors and satisfying textures. This sandwich elevates traditional meatballs by infusing them with creamy ricotta cheese, crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, and bold seasonings, creating an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Tips for this recipe
- For the best results, use a high-quality electric meat grinder to ensure your ground beef is finely textured and evenly mixed with breadcrumbs and cheeses.
- Utilize an oven mitt when handling hot cookware to prevent accidents.
- Maintaining the proper internal temperature of meatballs ensures both safety and optimal taste, so use a meat thermometer if possible.
Cooking on a preheated grill or skillet imparts a delightful char that enhances the overall flavor profile. Remember to oil your grill or skillet adequately before cooking for ease of transferring meatballs without sticking.
Why you will love this recipe
The Grilled Meatball Sandwich offers a perfect combination of comfort and culinary adventure. The inclusion of ricotta cheese in the meat mixture introduces an unexpected creaminess, while the selection of fresh herbs like parsley adds a refreshing note to each bite. This sandwich is not only incredibly versatile but also pairs wonderfully with various condiments and sides, making it a hit at any meal occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (1 kg) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (4 oz/125 g) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup (1/3 oz/10 g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt (as needed)
- Oil for grill
- 1 large baguette
- 8 oz (250 g) thinly sliced Provolone cheese
Adviced equipments
- Electric Meat Grinder – Essential for achieving a fine consistency in ground meat.
- Food Processor with Slicing Blade – Ideal for prepping vegetables and sandwich components.
- Meat Mixer (KitchenAid) – Simplifies the process of combining ingredients.
- Cutting Board – A must-have for food preparation safety and organization.
- Grill Pan or Skillet – For searing meatballs to perfection before assembly.
- Oven Mitts – Important gear for protecting hands during cooking tasks.
- Meat Thermometer – A key tool in ensuring your meatballs reach the right temperature for safe consumption.
- Recipe Printable Cutter – Helpful for handling recipe cards and instructions efficiently.
- Digital Scale (optional) – Provides accuracy in ingredient measurements, enhancing recipe consistency.
- Griddle or Barbecue Plate – Facilitates even cooking of meatballs on the grill.
History of the recipe
The Grilled Meatball Sandwich, while a modern culinary creation, draws inspiration from classic dishes that have evolved over centuries. The concept of meatballs has roots in various cultures, often as a means to utilize every part of an animal or to stretch limited ingredients. Our take on the traditional Italian ‘polpette’ with added creamy cheese and breadcrumbs pays homage to this rich history while giving it a contemporary twist.
fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that Panko breadcrumbs, which give our Grilled Meatball Sandwich its crispy texture, originated in Japan? Introduced to the Western world after World War II, they have since become a staple ingredient globally. Additionally, while meat mixers and electric grinders may seem like recent advancements, their concept has been around for centuries as part of kitchen innovations aimed at improving food preparation efficiency.
