Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites: Savory Appetizer (Print Version)

Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites Appetizer - Juicy seasoned lamb hugs creamy mozzarella for an easy, delightful party snack or weeknight treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if lamb is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground lamb
02 - 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Makers

04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ For Serving

09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Marinara sauce or Tzatziki (optional, for dipping)

→ Make It Yours

11 - Pinch of cinnamon for the lamb
12 - Chopped fresh mint in the lamb mixture

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, grab your ground lamb and toss it into a mixing bowl. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Get your hands in there and mix it all up until the spices are evenly distributed. I always make sure it’s really well combined, almost like you’re kneading it a bit. You want to see those little flecks of green oregano and red paprika throughout the meat, smelling all fragrant and promising. This is where the magic starts for our Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites Appetizer!
02 - Drain those little mozzarella balls really well; nobody wants watery bites! Take about a tablespoon-sized portion of the seasoned lamb mixture and flatten it out in your palm. It should be thin enough to wrap, but not so thin it tears. Place one mozzarella ball in the center, then gently, but firmly, mold the lamb around it, sealing it completely. This is where I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic and squish the cheese, oops! Just be gentle, create a nice little meatball, and try to avoid any gaps where the cheese can escape during baking.
03 - Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the lamb-wrapped mozzarella bites into the hot pan. You're not cooking them through here, just getting a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. This step is key for flavor and texture, honestly! Flip them gently with tongs; you'll hear that satisfying sizzle and see them turning a lovely deep brown. This little sear adds so much to the Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites Appetizer.
04 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared lamb bites to a baking sheet. I usually line mine with parchment paper because, well, fewer dishes to wash! Pop them into the hot oven for about 10-12 minutes. You're looking for the lamb to be cooked through and, most importantly, for that mozzarella inside to be gloriously melted and gooey. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible at this point, trust me.
05 - Once they're out of the oven, resist the urge to bite right into them immediately – that cheese is molten hot, friend! Let them rest for just a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. This lets the juices redistribute and the cheese set slightly so it doesn't all run out when you take that first bite. While they're resting, give your fresh parsley a quick chop. This step is super important for the overall experience of your Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites Appetizer.
06 - Arrange your beautiful Quick Lamb Wrapped Mozzarella Bites Appetizer on a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with that fresh chopped parsley. If you're feeling fancy, or just really hungry, serve them with a little bowl of warm marinara sauce or a cool, refreshing tzatziki for dipping. The contrast is just divine! They should look golden, slightly crispy on the outside, and you’ll know they’re ready when you can almost feel that melted cheese trying to escape. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overpack the lamb around the mozzarella, or it'll burst. I learned that the hard way, many times.
02 - Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave, to keep them crispy.
03 - Searing the lamb bites before baking is crucial for a great crust and deeper flavor. Skipping this makes them a bit bland, honestly.
04 - Serving with a cool tzatziki offers a fantastic contrast to the warm, savory lamb.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Mixing bowl
02 - non-stick skillet
03 - baking sheet
04 - parchment paper
05 - tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 25g

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