For home cooks who don’t own The Meatball Shop Cookbook yet, it’s time to get on the ball.
After rolling out three successful restaurants in New York City, The Meatball Shop’s Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow are sharing the secrets behind their award-winning dishes with meatball lovers everywhere. Their debut cookbook is filled with fun, witty narrative, helpful tips and nearly 100 approachable, comforting recipes that are both flavorful and easy to execute—what more could you ask for?
With Super Bowl Sunday this weekend (go Giants!), now’s the perfect time to give the Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls recipe a whirl. For this year’s party, bench the expected plate of hot wings and serve these spicy and tangy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs instead. Pair your balls with creamy homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (you’ll never go back to store bought!) for a dish that’s sure to be a game day winner, even if your team isn’t.
Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls (makes approx. 40 3/4-inch balls)
Recipe from The Meatball Shop Cookbook
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Drizzle the vegetable oil into a 9 x 13- inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
Combine the butter and hot sauce in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat, whisking until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
Combine the ground chicken, hot sauce mixture, egg, celery, bread crumbs, and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.
Roll the mixture into round, 3/4-inch balls, making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165°F.
Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.
Blue Cheese Dressing (makes 2 cups)
Recipe from The Meatball Shop Cookbook
Place the sour cream, blue cheese, milk, mayonnaise, salt, and vinegar in a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly until completely combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if desired.
Additional coverage of The Meatball Shop: Meatball Madness at 2011 NYCWFF, Meatball Mania
