Looking for a protein-filled appetizer that everyone will devour? These Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a tasty addition to any party spread!
It’s December, which means invitations to social gatherings are abundant, and I’m never one to miss out on a party. And it just so happens to include a lot of one of my favorite food groups….dairy! But for my Potluck dish, I took a break from the oozy, gooey cheese that I love so much (like in this Warm Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Dip) to share a healthier appetizer with you: Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.
Greek yogurt is a great way to help you make smart eating choices during the holidays without sacrificing that rich flavor we all crave. High in protein, Greek yogurt keeps you fuller longer and also makes this Tzatziki Sauce super creamy with just a bit of tang, a perfect partner for the Greek Meatballs. Pop it all in your mouth with a pita bite, and you have yourself a mini gyro. Heavenly! I love having healthier appetizer options like these at parties because they help me control my portions. Life is all about moderation, but it’s even more important around the holidays.
Here in Minnesota, we have almost 4000 dairy farms and are the 7th largest milk-producing state in the country. Our farmers, along with dairy farmers in Ohio and across the country, want to make sure everyone can enjoy a healthy meal this holiday season.
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Thanks to the ADA Mideast for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Yields 12
30 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
45 minTotal Time
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 pound ground lamb
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus additional if necessary)
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, divided
- 1/2 seedless cucumber
- Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet for roasting the meatballs.
- Pour the olive oil into a medium bowl, then add the meat and season with salt and pepper. Add the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of milk and mix to combine. (Add additional milk, tablespoon by tablespoon, if needed to moisten meat mixture.) Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, cinnamon, 2 of the garlic cloves, egg and 1/2 of the lemon juice, and mix to combine.
- Using a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into about 30 balls and place on the rack on the baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Peel the cucumber and grate it into a strainer. Salt it and let it drain for 20 minutes.
- Squeeze the cucumber in the strainer to get out the excess water and add to a food processor. Then add the yogurt, dill, remaining 1 clove garlic, and remaining lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and process until smooth.
- Serve with pita wedges, if desired.
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