Monster Eyeball Meatballs are a fun and spooky treat that bring together juicy meatballs topped with a slice of melted cheese and a black olive to make a creepy “eyeball” effect. They’re perfect for anyone looking to add a playful twist to their keto party snacks without sacrificing flavor or their low-carb lifestyle.
I love making these for Halloween get-togethers or any time I want to surprise my friends with something silly but delicious. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, and the best part is that they keep well, so you can make them ahead of time and just heat them up before the party starts.
When I serve these, I like to arrange them on a big platter with some fresh herbs or a dip on the side—it makes the whole presentation pop and adds a bit more flavor. Everyone seems to get a kick out of the eyeball look and then dives right in for seconds, which always makes me smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I prefer a mix of beef and pork for juiciness and flavor, but 100% ground beef works great too. Turkey or chicken are leaner alternatives if you want less fat.
Almond Flour: This is your keto-friendly binder instead of breadcrumbs. If unavailable, crushed pork rinds work well and add extra crunch.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella slices cut to size. You can swap for provolone or other mild melting cheeses, but mozzarella’s creamy melt is perfect.
Black Olive Slices: These form the “eye” pupil. Use whole black olives and slice them thin to keep the look neat. Kalamata olives are an option but slightly saltier.
Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Check the label to avoid added sugars. You can make a quick sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs if you prefer control over carbs.
How Do You Get the “Eyeball” Effect to Look Perfect?
The fun part is topping each cooked meatball with cheese and olive slices. Here’s what I do:
- Right after baking the meatballs, spoon sauce on top while they’re hot to help the cheese stick.
- Place a round slice of mozzarella on each meatball immediately after saucing.
- Quickly add a black olive slice in the center before the cheese cools.
- Return to the oven briefly (2-3 minutes) just until the cheese melts slightly and the olive sets in place.
This quick melt keeps the olive in place and gives the “eyeball” a glossy, realistic look. Timing is key—don’t wait too long or the cheese will start to firm up and the olive won’t stick well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly in the oven without sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – makes cleanup easy and prevents meatballs from sticking.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all your ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get accurate amounts of cheese, almond flour, and spices.
- Saucepan – to warm the marinara sauce gently without burning.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps make evenly sized meatballs quickly.
- Sharp knife – for slicing mozzarella and olives neatly for the “eyeballs.”
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste while keeping it keto-friendly.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano inside the meat mixture for a brighter herbal note.
- Mix in finely chopped cooked bacon pieces for an extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Top meatballs with sliced pepperoni instead of mozzarella for a spicier “eyeball” twist.
Monster Eyeball Meatballs – Keto Party Food
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (keto-friendly binder)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping and Serving:
- 1 cup low-carb marinara or tomato sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (cut into circles slightly smaller than meatballs)
- 6 black olive slices (for the “eyeball” pupil)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, for serving (optional, keto-friendly pasta substitute)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake the meatballs, plus a few minutes to assemble the “eyeballs” and melt the cheese. Overall, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, onion, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape the mixture into 6 even meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
3. Add Sauce and Make “Eyeballs”:
While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce gently in a saucepan. Take the meatballs out of the oven and spoon some sauce over each. Top each one with a mozzarella circle, then immediately press a black olive slice in the center to create a fun eyeball look. Return the meatballs to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
4. Serve:
Optionally serve the meatballs on a bed of zucchini or shirataki noodles tossed with a little extra marinara sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your spooky keto-friendly party treat!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese and olives stick properly when assembling the “eyeballs.”
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds are a great keto-friendly alternative that adds some crunch and helps bind the meatballs well.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra marinara sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead, bake them fully, and store them without cheese and olives. When ready to serve, reheat, add the cheese and olive slices, then briefly bake to melt the cheese for the freshest “eyeball” look.
