Oven-Baked Sicilian Meatballs

• soft breadcrumbs↗2⁄3 cup
• milk↗3 tablespoons
• egg↗1

  lightly beaten

• grated parmesan cheese1⁄3 cup
• finely chopped onion1⁄4 cup
• snipped fresh basil1⁄4 cup
• pine nuts↗3 tablespoons

  toasted

• dried currants↗3 tablespoons
• garlic clove↗1

  minced

• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• fresh ground black pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• bulk sweet Italian sausage↗1 lb
• hot cooked spaghetti

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk; let stand for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in egg, cheese, onion, basil, pine nuts, currants, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. 4

   Add in sausage; mix well.

5. 5

   Shape mixture into 24 meatballs; place meatballs in a 15 x 10 inch baking pan.

6. 6

   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink; drain off fat; serve with hot cooked spaghetti or if preparing as OAMC, cool meatballs.

7. 7

   OAMC-line a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper; transfer meatballs to the prepared baking sheet.

8. 8

   Freeze about 30 minutes or until firm; place meatballs in a freezer bag.

9. 9

   Seal, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.

10. 10

    To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add to your dish of choice until heated through.