Monster Eyeball Meatballs are a fun and spooky twist on your classic meatballs, perfect for keto-friendly party snacks. These little monsters are made with juicy ground meat, seasoned well, and topped with a round slice of mozzarella and an olive in the center to create a creepy eyeball effect. The combination of savory meat and gooey cheese makes them super tasty and exciting to eat.
I love making these monster eyeball meatballs for Halloween gatherings or any fun get-together because they bring a little surprise to the table. They’re easy to make ahead, and I find that everyone gets a kick out of how silly and creative they look. Plus, they’re super satisfying if you’re sticking to a low-carb diet, which makes them a win on both flavor and health.
My favorite way to serve these meatballs is hot out of the oven on a platter, with some toothpicks ready for grabbing and popping into your mouth. They’re great for mixing with other keto-friendly snacks like cheese sticks and veggies, turning any party into a festive feast without the sugar overload. These eyeballs might be a little spooky, but they’re definitely friendly on the taste buds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I use 80% lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but watch for dryness—adding a bit more fat helps.
Almond flour: This keeps the meatballs keto-friendly while binding everything together. If you don’t have it, crushed pork rinds work great as a low-carb substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that boosts the taste. Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are tasty options if you want to mix it up.
Hard-boiled eggs & black olives: They create the “eyeballs.” I like using medium eggs for the right size. If olives aren’t your thing, small cherry tomatoes or slices of roasted pepper can make fun alternatives.
How Can You Keep Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful?
Making moist meatballs can be tricky, but a few tricks help:
- Don’t overmix the meat; stir just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Add almond flour and cheese—they absorb juices and hold the meat together.
- Use a food thermometer to check doneness (160°F/71°C) so you don’t overcook.
- Baking instead of frying keeps them evenly cooked without adding extra fat.
After baking, topping the meatballs with sauce and cheese before broiling adds moisture and flavor while giving a nice gooey finish that makes each bite special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly in the oven without sticking.
- Parchment paper or foil – makes cleanup quick and keeps meatballs from sticking.
- Mixing bowl – a large one to combine all the meatball ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the right amounts of spices and binders.
- Sharp knife – for slicing hard-boiled eggs and olives to make the eyeballs.
- Oven-safe broiler or broiler setting – to melt cheese and warm ingredients quickly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, leaner meatball option.
- Add finely chopped spinach or kale into the meat mix for extra nutrients and color.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy or richer cheese topping.
- Mix in some Italian herbs like basil or oregano for a more aromatic, classic flavor.
Monster Eyeball Meatballs – Keto Party Food
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (for keto-friendly binder)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large peeled hard-boiled eggs (for “eyeballs”)
- 4 black olives, pitted and sliced (to create the pupil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to broil and assemble. Total time is around 35 minutes, perfect for a quick keto-friendly party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything until well blended.
3. Form and Bake Meatballs:
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through (160°F/71°C internal temperature).
4. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Eyeballs:
Remove meatballs from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce on each meatball and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Slice hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and place one half on top of each meatball, white side up. Add one black olive slice in the center of each egg half to create the pupil.
5. Broil to Finish:
Turn your oven to broil and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm for a spooky, keto-friendly party treat everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked meatballs. Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before adding sauce, cheese, and the egg “eyeballs.” Then broil as instructed to melt the cheese and warm everything through.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds are a great low-carb binder for keto meatballs. You can also use coconut flour but use less since it absorbs more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and add a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and bake them earlier in the day. Add the sauce, cheese, and “eyeballs” before broiling just before serving for the freshest presentation.
