Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 slices soft whole grain bread
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 small shallots, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncinis
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For Baking:
  • 1 jar (32 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat to 450°F (230°C).
   • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Prepare Bread:

   • Run the bread under water until dampened (but not soaked).
   • Squeeze out excess water and crumble into pieces.

3. Mix Meatball Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, parmesan, grated shallots, garlic, chopped pepperoncinis, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Lightly coat your hands with olive oil and roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized balls.
   • Place meatballs in the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake Meatballs:

   • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside but not yet cooked through inside.

5. Add Marinara Sauce:

   • Pour marinara sauce over the partially cooked meatballs.
   • Cover the pan with foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.

6. Add Cheese and Bake:

   • Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the meatballs.
   • Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
   • Garnish with fresh oregano.

7. Serve:

   • Serve meatballs topped with fresh oregano and your favorite pasta.

Notes

• Ground Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage: If you can’t find pre-ground spicy Italian chicken sausage, you can make a similar mix using ground chicken and a spice blend (recipe provided in the notes).
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes in the spice mix if you prefer a milder flavor.

Tips

• Moisture: Make sure not to oversoak the bread, as too much moisture can affect the texture of the meatballs.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference.