Meatballs and Garlic Toast

This recipe for meatballs and garlic toast is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the garlic toast is crispy and garlicky. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time, as the meatballs can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground veal

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese

• 2 eggs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 2 cups stale Italian bread, crumbled (For incredibly tender meatballs, use fresh bread that has been dried out in the oven!)

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

• 1 cup olive oil

Garlic Toast Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread (For the best garlic toast, use a good-quality baguette or Italian bread with a nice crust and a good crumb.)

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Garlic powder, for sprinkling (While both fresh garlic and garlic powder can be used, fresh garlic provides a more intense flavor.)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Meatball Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, veal, and pork. Mix in cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Add bread crumbs and slowly mix in water, 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture is moist but still holds its shape (you may not need all of the water).

3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

4. Don't overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to hold their shape better.

6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, slightly crisp, and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Garlic Toast Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.

3. For extra crispy garlic toast, consider toasting the bread slices lightly before adding the garlic butter. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and salt. Be sure to use softened butter and not melted butter, as this will help the garlic to stay evenly distributed in the mixture.

5. To ensure the garlic is finely minced, use a garlic press. Alternatively, you can mince the garlic by hand and then mash it into a paste using the side of your knife.

6. Brush the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each slice of bread.

7. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If you prefer, you can bake the entire loaf of bread instead of individual slices.

8. Sprinkle with garlic powder and garnish with fresh parsley.

9. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking.

10. If using Texas toast, cut the slices diagonally before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• When cooking the meatballs, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help them to cook evenly and brown properly.

• To make the meatballs extra flavorful, you can add a small handful of mozzarella cheese to the mixture.

• If you want to make the garlic toast ahead of time, you can bake the bread slices and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• To reheat the garlic toast, simply place the slices in a preheated oven for a few minutes, or until warmed through.

• Leftover garlic toast can be stored in a ziploc bag in the fridge or on a cool countertop.

Food Photography Tips

Taking enticing photos of your culinary creations is a great way to share your cooking with others and inspire them to try the recipe themselves. Here are some tips for taking appealing photos of your meatballs and garlic toast:

• Use natural light: Indirect daylight is best for food photography, as it provides even lighting and doesn't cast harsh shadows.

• Choose the right angle: Photographing from a slight angle often creates a more visually appealing image than shooting directly from above or the side.

• Consider the background: Use a simple background that complements the food and doesn't distract from it.

• Add dimension with props: Include napkins, utensils, or other relevant items to add visual interest to the photo.

• Garnish the dish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce can make the food look more appetizing.

• Capture action shots: Take photos of the cooking process or someone interacting with the food to add a sense of movement and life to the image.

• Keep the food moist: Wet food looks more appealing in photos, so be sure to keep sauces and surfaces looking fresh.

Conclusion

This recipe for meatballs and garlic toast offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. By using fresh bread in the meatball mixture, you'll achieve incredibly tender and juicy results. The garlic toast, made with a blend of fresh garlic and garlic powder, provides a flavorful and crispy accompaniment. With the helpful tips and tricks included, you can confidently recreate this dish at home and capture mouthwatering photos to share with your friends and family. Give this recipe a try and experience the satisfaction of creating a delicious and visually appealing meal!

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