Imagine a recipe so comforting and delicious that it transports you straight to an Italian grandmother's kitchen, where love is served in every bite. These magical bread balls are not just a dish; they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Packed with rich Parmesan, crispy exterior, and swimming in a luscious marinara sauce, Aunt Nina's Bread Balls are about to become your new favorite comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups stale bread
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by tearing the stale bread into small pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bread is dry and slightly crumbly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bread pieces, mixing thoroughly to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the bread crumbs.
- Crack the two eggs into the bread mixture, using your hands or a fork to combine all ingredients until they form a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture that can be easily shaped.
- Using your hands, gently roll the bread mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If desired, lightly grease the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the bread balls into the heated skillet, cooking them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes, turning them gently to ensure even browning.
- While the bread balls are cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the bread balls are evenly browned and crispy on the outside, transfer them to the warm marinara sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb some of the sauce's flavor.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the bread balls and sauce for a fresh, aromatic garnish.
- Serve hot, directly from the pan, ensuring each serving gets an equal number of bread balls and a generous amount of marinara sauce.
Tips
- Use truly stale bread for the best texture - fresh bread will make your balls too dense
- Make sure to mix ingredients thoroughly by hand for optimal binding
- Keep bread ball sizes consistent for even cooking
- Use a non-stick skillet or lightly oil your pan to prevent sticking
- Don't rush the browning process - golden, crispy exterior is key to deliciousness
- Let the bread balls simmer in marinara sauce for maximum flavor absorption
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note to the dish
- Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
