Meatball Biscuits

A few weeks ago I made Molly Yeh’s version of these meatball stuffed buns for my brother. My only adjustments to her recipe was substituting ground pork for ground turkey and then adding a finely chopped adobe pepper (for the can) to the meatball mixture to give a little kick of flavor and using provolone slices instead of mozzarella. My brother went banana’s over them. So when I made them a second time, I decided to change up the flavors a little, using the flavors of ginger, garlic and hoisin sauce. These could easily make a great kid’s hand held meatball sandwich for Memorial Day Weekend,

Adapted from :https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/meatball-stuffed-biscuits-8058902

Turkey Meatballs: (makes approximately 18 to 20)

1 lb of ground turkey

1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs

1 tsp of grated fresh ginger

1 grated clove of garlic

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

1 egg

2 tbsp. hoisin sauce

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and preheat over 350 degrees F.

Gently mix and combine all ingredients in a medium to bowl until well combined. Try not to over work or meatballs will be tough. Wet hands and using a 1 tbsp. scoop (or by hand) roll into balls and place on foil lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for a total of 30 minutes, turning the meatballs over at half way point. When cooked remove and allow meatballs to cool to room temperature. They can also be made ahead and refrigerated.

While you can make your own favorite meatballs recipe, any meatball will actually do. You could even take a short cut by purchasing pre-made meatballs. Italian or breakfast sausage are also options (formed and pre-cooked into a meatball).

Preheat the over 350 degrees (F)

2 -9″round pans or 1- 9″ X 9″ square pan (spray lightly with cooking spray)

Two 8 count packs of refrigerated Grand biscuits (any kind you choose)

1/4 cup of hoisin sauce

16 slices of either provolone or mozzarella cheese

Cilantro or Italian flat parley leaves

Water

Remove the biscuits from the can. Taking one biscuit at a time, flatten and stretch out creating a one inch boarder around the meatball. Brush with hoisin sauce (careful not to put too much or the biscuit may get too wet.) Cut a slice of cheese into four and stack 2 pieces over the hoisin sauce. Add the meatball to the center and pull and pinch the sides of the biscuit over the meatball sealing it. Place each meatball stuffed biscuit with the sealed side down into the pan.

If desired, dip your finger in a little water and touch the top of each roll. Place a fresh cut cilantro or flat parsley leaf on the top of each and gently press into the dough. (I made the mistake twice of placing the herb on top of the bun after the 30 minute bake and it didn’t stick to the bun and dried as you’ll see from the finished version. The better method is to press them into the dough in the beginning. This of course is optional.

Place into the pre-heated oven and back for 30 minutes.

Add your parsley or cilantro leaf with a little brush of water before baking.

Topping:

4 tbsp butter melted

1 whole garlic clove, peeled and smashed

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Everything Bagel seasoning (or toasted sesame seeds)

Mauldon Salt (flaky) or kosher salt

While the biscuits are baking, place the butter and peeled, smashed garlic clove into a small pot. Heat until the butter is melted and stir the garlic around in the warmed butter to gently release some of its flavor.

Brush the partially baked biscuits with the garlic infused melted butter. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, salt flakes and everything bagel seasoning (or toasted sesame seeds). Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

An inside view of the completed stuffed biscuit. When serving, serve with a side of slightly warmed hoisin sauce for dipping or topping. Below I cut one open and spooned a small amount of sauce inside. Served fresh is best, but I’ve been advised they rewarm well if placed back in the oven or toaster oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.