Happy National Meatball Day!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (1 1/2 ounces) finely-grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely-chopped fresh Italian herbs (I used half parsley, half basil)
• 1/4 cup grated yellow onion
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the panade.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together the panko and milk until combined.  Set mixture aside to soak for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combine remaining ingredients.  Add the ground beef, ground pork, garlic, eggs, Parmesan, fresh herbs, onion and Worcestershire sauce to the (same) mixing bowl.  Sprinkle the oregano, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes evenly on top.  Use your hands to mix the ingredients until evenly combined, being careful not to over-mix the ingredients.
3. Chill (optional step). To make the meatballs easier to form, I recommend covering and chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour.  But if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step.
4. Prep oven and baking sheet.  Heat the oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. Form the meatballs.  Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop and roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.  (I recommend greasing your hands with a bit of olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.)
2. Bake.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer measures the internal temperature of the meatballs to be 160°F.  Remove pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
3. Serve.  Serve meatballs immediately and enjoy!

This National Meatball Day, let your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey with these delicious meatballs whether they are swimming in marinara or lining a sub roll covered in cheese.  Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or a delightful snack, these meatballs are sure to add a kick of excitement to your culinary celebrations! So, gather your ingredients and embrace the joy of cooking as you savor the irresistible flavors of this delectable dish. Happy Meatball Day!