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Cake pops have emerged as one of this decade’s most popular desserts, with countless magazine photo-shoots, online recipes, and Instagram photos dedicated to the bite-sized snack. If you’ve got a cake pop maker, you know it’s easier than ever to make cake pops for parties and family get-togethers.

But have you ever considered that your cake pop maker can do more than make desserts? The round molds and simple design make it perfect for cooking our Mediterranean meatball recipe.

Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto, tomatoes and blue cloth napkin on the side, grey wood background.

No more fussing with a hot stove–simply pop the meatballs into the machine, and you’ll have a hot dinner in minutes!

Try it as an Entrée or a Side Dish

Most traditional meatball recipes involve a fistful of ground beef, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a generous helping of canned tomato sauce. But with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a savory homemade pesto, these meatballs aren’t just an accessory to spaghetti noodles–they’re a delicious meal all on their own.

Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto, tomatoes and blue cloth napkin on the side, grey wood background. A hand with a fork in one of the meatballs.

Serve these meatballs as the main course, paired with cooked vegetables or a side of pasta or simply as an appetizer. If you’re in a pinch, our Mediterranean meatballs do make a hearty side dish. But be warned–if you don’t make enough, you’ll have to disappoint your guests when they ask for seconds.

Whichever way you serve them, these tasty meatballs are one of the best cake pop maker recipes to touch my taste buds that are savory, unlike the sweet pops that usually come out of the treat maker.

Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto.

A Different Take on a Classic Favorite

Despite their reputation as an “easy” food, meatballs are actually one of the most versatile dishes you can make. Try substituting the feta cheese with another Italian favorite, like mozzarella or Parmesan.

Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto, grey wood background.
Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto.

If you’re an experienced chef, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create a bold, original flavor. And if you’ve got kids, meatballs are the perfect way to sneak some vegetables into their diet.

What are your favorite takes on the classic meatball recipe?

Mediterranean meatballs on a plate with pesto.

Cake Pop Maker Mediterranean Meatballs

Joss D
These Mediterranean meatballs are filled with feta, spinach and other herbs and seasonings. They are then served with a fresh dill pesto.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 24 meatballs, approximately
Calories 58 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Meatballs:

  • 17.6 oz. (500 g) lean ground meat - (lamb, beef, turkey, etc.)
  • 1 cup spinach leaves - chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese - crumbled
  • ½ cup fresh dill - chopped
  • 1 rosemary sprig - chopped (just the leaves)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper

Pesto:

  • 1 cup fresh dill leaves
  • 2-3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp. nuts - chopped
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp. Greek yogurt - plain (optional)
  • Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs thoroughly.
  • Make balls with your hands that are about the same size as the holes of the cake pop maker. Unlike cake pops, for the meatballs you’ll have to create the round balls as close to the size as possible. (I usually test the size of the meatball in the cake pop maker before it is preheated in order to be more accurate.)
  • Heat the cake pop maker and bake the meatballs with the lid closed for 5 to 6 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove them carefully, as there will be hot oil. (I like to use a toothpick and wear a heat glove to open and close the lid.) Unplug the cake pop maker and let it cool completely.
  • For the pesto, pulse all ingredients in a blender and season to taste. Feel free to add more oil if you are having difficulties blending the pesto (if it’s still too thick, and you would like a creamier version, you can also add plain Greek yogurt).
  • Serve the meatballs with the pesto.

Equipment

Cake Pop Maker

Notes

  • Once the cake pop maker has completely cooled, you can begin cleaning as directed in the manual. Paper towel is handy for soaking up the oil.
  • The nutrition information for this recipe does not include the pesto.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 368IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

Keyword cake pop maker
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