Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these Mini Greek Meatball Bites deliver a vibrant medley of Mediterranean flavors in a single, handheld portion. Juicy, herb-seasoned meatballs are perched on soft mini pita rounds and finished with a generous spoonful of cool, garlicky tzatziki. Each bite offers the ideal balance of savory richness and refreshing brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bite-sized appetizers are not only delicious but also visually appealing and easy to serve. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, hosting a game day spread, or looking for a creative snack, these meatball bites offer flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal. The tzatziki brings a creamy tang that perfectly complements the spiced meat, making every bite memorable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- ground beef or lamb
- breadcrumbs
- grated onion
- garlic, minced
- chopped fresh parsley
- chopped fresh mint
- dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- egg, lightly beaten
For the Tzatziki:
- Greek yogurt
- cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- garlic, minced
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- chopped fresh dill
- salt to taste
To Assemble:
- mini pita or flatbread rounds
- fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until well blended, then form into 12 small balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Make the tzatziki: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Warm the pitas: Lightly toast or warm the mini pitas or flatbreads in a skillet or oven.
- Assemble the bites: Place one meatball on each pita round. Spoon a bit of tzatziki over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes 12 meatball bites, serves 4 as an appetizer
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the meatballs with falafel or roasted chickpea patties.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Mini sliders: Use mini buns instead of pita for a Mediterranean slider approach.
- Different proteins: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Toppings: Add sliced red onion or crumbled feta for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
To store, refrigerate leftover meatballs and tzatziki in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep pita rounds in a sealed bag at room temperature.
To reheat the meatballs, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the assembled bites to preserve the texture of the pita and meatballs. Assemble fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is the tzatziki sauce necessary?
Tzatziki adds flavor and moisture, but you can substitute it with hummus, tahini sauce, or even a light yogurt-based dressing.
What kind of meat is best for this recipe?
Ground beef and lamb both work well. Lamb provides a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
How do I keep the cucumber from making the tzatziki watery?
Be sure to grate and squeeze the cucumber thoroughly before mixing it into the yogurt.
Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking them?
Yes, grill the meatballs on medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Certainly. Store-bought tzatziki is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes. You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
What can I use instead of mini pita?
Small naan rounds, sliced baguette, or even cucumber rounds make excellent alternatives.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and gluten-free flatbreads or serve over lettuce cups.
Conclusion
Mini Greek Meatball Bites with Tzatziki on Pita are a delicious and versatile appetizer that brings Mediterranean charm to any table. Easy to prepare and full of fresh, herbaceous flavor, they offer a satisfying bite-sized option that guests will love. Whether for casual snacking or elegant entertaining, this recipe is sure to impress.
Print
Mini Greek Meatball Bites with Tzatziki on Pita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy mini Greek meatballs served on warm pita rounds with creamy homemade tzatziki. Perfect for appetizers or Mediterranean-inspired snacks, each bite combines savory meat, cool yogurt sauce, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- 12 mini pita or flatbread rounds
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix well.
- Form mixture into 12 small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, whisk all tzatziki ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until serving.
- Warm mini pita or flatbread rounds in a skillet or oven.
- Top each pita with a meatball, drizzle with tzatziki, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Make tzatziki ahead to let flavors meld.
- Mini pitas can be replaced with cut pieces of regular pita if needed.
- Great served warm or at room temperature for parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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