Pesto Meatball Melts.

There’s something utterly comforting about a dish that brings together juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and vibrant pesto, all nestled within a crusty baguette. Pesto Meatball Melts. deliver just that—a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a family-friendly dinner, these melts are sure to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore Pesto Meatball Melts. not just for their incredible flavor, but also for their versatility. The combination of ground turkey and pesto creates a moist and flavorful meatball that pairs beautifully with the melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Plus, they are easy to make, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. This recipe is perfect for customizing with your favorite cheeses or herbs and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.

Ingredient List

To create your own delicious Pesto Meatball Melts., gather the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey (I like to use 94%)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup pesto, homemade or prepared
• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette, about 10 to 12 inches long
• ¾ cup pesto, or more if you’re really a pesto fanatic
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
• Additional parmesan cheese, for topping
• Fresh basil, for topping

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you dive into the cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing bowl – for combining the meatball ingredients.
• Baking sheet – to bake the meatballs and keep everything organized.
• Meat thermometer – to ensure your meatballs are cooked to perfection.
• Knife – for slicing the baguette and chopping basil.
• Spatula – to help with transferring meatballs.

Pesto Meatball Melts.: From Prep to Plate

Bringing these tasty Pesto Meatball Melts. from prep to plate is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, lightly beaten egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, ¾ cup of pesto, and finely grated parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps to ensure easy cleanup!

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. If you want to be sure they’re done, a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the center.

Step 4: Slice the Baguette

While the meatballs are baking, slice the baguette lengthwise. This will create a perfect boat for your meatballs!

Step 5: Assemble the Melts

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Spread ¾ cup of pesto inside the sliced baguette, and then layer in the meatballs. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of additional parmesan.

Step 6: Bake Again

Pesto Meatball Melts.

You won't believe how delicious these Pesto Meatball Melts are! Juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and vibrant pesto come together in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey (94% lean)
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup pesto homemade or prepared
• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• to taste Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 baguette about 10 to 12 inches long
• ¾ cup pesto or more if you’re a pesto fanatic
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
• to taste Additional parmesan cheese for topping
• to taste Fresh basil for topping

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Meat Thermometer
• Knife
• Spatula

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, lightly beaten egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, ¾ cup of pesto, and finely grated parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. While the meatballs are baking, slice the baguette lengthwise to create a perfect boat for your meatballs!
5. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Spread ¾ cup of pesto inside the sliced baguette, layer in the meatballs, and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional parmesan.
6. Return the assembled melts to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Feel free to customize with different cheeses or herbs.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.