Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (2024)

This Greek Meatballs recipe is crisp on the outside and tender and juicy in the center. Made with chicken, breadcrumbs, tangy red onion, and fresh herbs and spices, they’re flavor-loaded and so easy to make! Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or use them in pita sandwiches, mezze bowls, and more!

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (1)

Table of Contents

  • What Are Keftedes?
    • What’s the Difference Between Greek Meatballs and Normal Meatballs?
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to Make This Greek Meatballs Recipe
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Make Ahead and Storage Options
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Protein-Rich Recipes
  • Greek Meatballs Recipe Recipe

What Are Keftedes?

Keftedes or Keftethes are meatballs that originated in Greece. Every region and chef has their own specific recipe utilizing different herbs and spices. However, in general, they are made with a mixture of beef and pork or lamb that is infused with herbs and spices and lightly fried in olive oil. They’re often served as an appetizer or included in mezze platters. However, no matter how they’re served, they’re always delicious!

What’s the Difference Between Greek Meatballs and Normal Meatballs?

As mentioned, Greek meatballs are made with a combination of beef, pork, or lamb. They also include Mediterranean herbs like parsley, spearmint, and oregano. Meanwhile, regular meatballs can be made with any variety of meat and contain a variety of herbs and spices ranging from Italian-inspired to Asian-inspired flavors.

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (2)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Little flavor bombs, these Greek meatballs are full of healthy ingredients you can feel good about eating. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Chicken – Although many Greek meatball recipes use beef, we opted for chicken to keep this recipe fairly low-fat without sacrificing flavor.
  • Veggies – Red onion, green onions, and frozen spinach are included for a pop of color and tons of nutrients.
  • Egg – This is crucial to help hold all of the ingredients together.
  • Cheese – We love to include full-fat feta for a creamy texture and a pop of tangy flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs – Used to coat the meatballs, creating a golden brown exterior and crisp texture you’ll love.
  • Herbs and Spices – Cilantro, salt, pepper, and paprika are included for a bright, herbaceous flavor with just a hint of spice.

How to Make This Greek Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is super easy to make, and it’s so delicious your kids won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!

  1. Combine the Ingredients. Add all of the ingredients except the chicken to the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until they’re chopped and well combined. Add the chicken, and pulse again until smooth.
  2. Form the Meatballs. Use a large cookie cream scoop to portion the “batter,” and roll it into balls between your palms.
  3. Bake. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, and bake until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (3)

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/13/2024 02:04 pm GMT

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (4)

Tips and Tricks

This recipe is already quick and easy, but we’ve got a few extra tips for results that will knock your socks off!

  • Wet Your Hands. Before you begin rolling the meatballs, wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent them from sticking to your fingers.
  • Dredge the Meatballs. If you want your meatballs to be extra crispy, dredge them in more flour before baking.
  • Prepare Ahead of Time. We’ve found that this Greek meatball recipe is even tastier when prepared in advance. For the best results, prepare the meatballs an hour or so before you plan to bake, and let them chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to combine and marinate, ensuring every bite tastes great.

Make Ahead and Storage Options

Greek meatballs are great to make ahead of time for busy weeks!

Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Place your cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, and store them in the freezer for an hour or until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag, and keep them frozen for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Thaw your Greek meatballs in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them up in a skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat until your desired temperature is reached!

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (5)

Serving Suggestions

Greek meatballs are great to serve on their own as a healthy appetizer, and don’t forget to dunk them in tzatziki, hummus, or whipped feta dip! Or, turn them into a filling meal by serving them with:

  • Vermicelli Rice or Greek Rice
  • One Pot Greek Couscous
  • Pita Bread
  • Greek Salad

More Protein-Rich Recipes

Whether you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing snacks or something new for dinner, these protein sources are guaranteed to hit the spot!

  • Easy Chicken Kofta
  • Easy Beef Kofta
  • Beef Kofta Meatballs
  • Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Skewers

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (6)

Greek Meatballs Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Author: Food Dolls

Servings: 4 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Save Pin Print

This Greek Meatballs recipe is crisp on the outside and tender and juicy in the center. Serve it over rice, in pita sandwiches, and more!

Ingredients

  • ½ red onion chopped
  • ½ bunch cilantro
  • 3 green onion stalks ~½ cup, chopped
  • ½ cup frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pound ~2 large chicken breasts, trimmed

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking sheet, and set aside.

  • In the bowl of a food processor, add all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Pulse until chopped. Add the chicken breasts, and pulse again until everything is well combined.

    ½ red onion, ½ bunch cilantro, 3 green onion stalks, ½ cup frozen spinach, 5 cloves garlic, 1 large egg, ¼ cup feta cheese, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 pound ~2 large chicken breasts, trimmed

  • Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the mixture, rolling it between two palms to form circular meatballs.

  • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Remove from oven and serve with tzatziki, hummus, and rice, if desired.

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 902mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2567IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

You Might Also Like

Meals/Main Dishes

Chicken Shawarma Tacos

Combine two of your favorite meals into one delicious dish with these easy baked chicken shawarma tacos topped with shirazi salad and tahini!

Chicken

Chicken Milanese with Mediterranean Salad

Prepare this chicken Milanese recipe in the air fryer, and pair it with a Mediterranean salad for a healthy dinner in less than 30 minutes!

Chicken

Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe

Make this whole roasted chicken tikka recipe in the oven for a juicy, flavorful chicken dish perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (13)

MeetAlia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do!Learn moreabout us!

Read more about us

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 6342

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.