Gingersnap-Infused Swedish Meatballs
Experience a delightful twist on a classic dish with these Gingersnap-Infused Swedish Meatballs. Combining the savory flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with the warm, spicy sweetness of gingersnaps creates a unique blend that is sure to impress. This recipe, passed down from a garage sale recipe box, is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a surprising yet comforting taste, making it a must-try for meatball lovers. Serve these flavorful meatballs over noodles, and enjoy a special meal that brings nostalgia and innovation to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gingersnaps, crushed
1 1/4 cups (crushed, approximately 20 two-inch cookies)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Egg
1 (slightly beaten)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
Ground lean pork
1/2 lb (none)
Onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Salt
1 tsp (none)
Pepper
1/2 tsp (none)
Allspice
1/4 tsp (none)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, for sautéing and roux)
Flour
1/4 cup (none)
Beef broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
Garlic, crushed
1 tsp (crushed)
Thyme
1 tsp (dried)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Additional salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps with the milk and slightly beaten egg, mixing until well combined.
3
Add the lean ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and allspice to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
With moistened hands, scoop out the mixture and shape it into meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
6
Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or a large oven-proof casserole dish.
7
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. If you prefer to skip browning the meatballs, proceed to the next step.
8
Transfer the meatballs to the hot skillet in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. (Alternatively, bake them in the preheated oven until browned).
9
Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them in the greased casserole dish.
10
In the same skillet, pour off any excess drippings, measuring out 1/4 cup and adding more butter if needed.
11
Sprinkle the flour into the drippings and stir to make a smooth roux.
12
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until it thickens.
13
Add the crushed garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
14
Carefully pour the sauce over the meatballs in the casserole dish, covering them evenly.
15
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
16
Remove from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve over cooked noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gingersnap-Infused Swedish Meatballs?
These are a unique twist on traditional Swedish meatballs that combine savory meat flavors with the warm, spicy sweetness of crushed gingersnap cookies.
How many gingersnaps are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of crushed gingersnaps, which is approximately 20 two-inch cookies.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What types of meat are used in these meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground lean pork.
How long should the meat mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The meatballs should be shaped to approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Do I have to brown the meatballs in a skillet?
No, while you can brown them in a skillet for 5-7 minutes, you can alternatively bake them in the preheated oven until browned.
How is the sauce for the meatballs made?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in beef broth and adding garlic, thyme, and a bay leaf.
How long do the meatballs bake in the oven?
The meatballs bake in the sauce, covered, for 1 hour.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
These meatballs are best served over cooked noodles for a complete meal.
What spices are included in the meatball mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, and allspice.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
You should discard the bay leaf after removing the dish from the oven and before serving.
What is used as a garnish?
Fresh chopped parsley is used as a garnish for the finished dish.
How much beef broth is required for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of beef broth.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
What is the role of the milk and egg?
The milk and slightly beaten egg are combined with the crushed gingersnaps to act as a binder for the meatballs.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of unsalted butter for sautéing and making the roux.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5 minutes after adding the herbs and garlic to let the flavors meld.
Is the garlic prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
You will need 1/4 cup of flour to mix with the drippings or butter.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered with a lid or aluminum foil during the 1-hour baking period.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
The meatballs are described as being so tender that they melt in your mouth.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was passed down from a garage sale recipe box.
Is thyme used in the meatballs or the sauce?
Dried thyme is added to the sauce rather than the meat mixture.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe includes additional salt and pepper to season the sauce to your personal taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed in total, including garnishes and seasonings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
What type of pork should I buy?
The recipe specifies using ground lean pork.
How many cookies equal 1 1/4 cups of crumbs?
Approximately 20 two-inch gingersnap cookies will produce the required amount of crumbs.
How do I ensure the meatballs don't stick to my hands?
The recipe recommends shaping the meatballs with moistened hands to prevent sticking.