Site Overlay

OVEN-BAKED JUICY GARLIC MEATBALLS WITH NUTRITIONAL YEAST — SOFT, FLAVORFUL, AND GUILT-FREE

By Posted on
OVEN-BAKED JUICY GARLIC MEATBALLS WITH NUTRITIONAL YEAST — SOFT, FLAVORFUL, AND GUILT-FREE

OVEN-BAKED JUICY GARLIC MEATBALLS WITH NUTRITIONAL YEAST — SOFT, FLAVORFUL, AND GUILT-FREE

Enjoy the juicy tenderness of fried meatballs without the oil, infused with aromatic granulated garlic and enhanced by nutritional yeast flakes — a natural binder and flavor booster that keeps these meatballs moist and delicious. Inspired by a popular brand’s rotisserie-style meatballs but made entirely at home, free of additives, these oven-baked delights let you savor homemade goodness with peace of mind.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min (plus overnight marinating)

⏲️ Cooking Time: 30 min
🍽️ Yields: 12 large meatballs

Ingredients

  • 500 g pork neck, finely ground
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 heaping tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, leveled
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes, ground
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for fluffiness)
  • 50 ml cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat

  • If grinding meat yourself: cut pork into cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let sit overnight in the fridge for ideal texture.
  • If using pre-ground meat: salt and knead meat well, then refrigerate overnight before preparing meatballs.

2. Cook the Onion

  • Sauté finely chopped onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until completely soft and translucent.

3. Mix Meatball Ingredients

  • Add sautéed onion to the meat.
  • Add nutritional yeast flakes, granulated garlic, ground dried onion flakes, oregano, black pepper, and salt (to taste).
  • Knead thoroughly to combine.

4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

  • Heat a small pan and fry a small test meatball to check seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or garlic as needed.

5. Add Water and Baking Soda

  • Add cold water and optional baking soda to meat mixture.
  • Knead until water is fully absorbed. (Baking soda helps make meatballs fluffier without altering flavor.)

6. Shape Meatballs

  • Wet your hands and form meatballs — larger size recommended to retain moisture.
  • Flatten slightly in your palm to ensure even cooking.
  • You should get about 12 meatballs.

7. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Arrange meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Switch oven to grill (broil) mode at maximum heat and grill for 5 more minutes to develop a golden crust.

💡 Tips

  • Overnight salting and resting enhances meat texture and flavor.
  • Nutritional yeast is a natural, healthy flavor enhancer and binder — a great alternative to eggs and breadcrumbs.
  • Avoid stirring meatballs during frying to maintain shape and crust formation.
  • Baking soda is optional but recommended for extra fluffiness.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Health-conscious meatball lovers
  • Quick yet authentic homemade dinners
  • Guilt-free meals that don’t compromise on flavor

📝 Final Thoughts

These oven-baked pork meatballs, enriched with garlic granules and nutritional yeast, deliver all the juicy, flavorful satisfaction of fried meatballs without the oil. The careful preparation, including overnight salting and precise seasoning, ensures a tender, aromatic bite every time. Their easy bake-and-grill method yields a perfectly browned crust with a soft, moist interior—ideal for a comforting family meal or casual gathering. With homemade quality and no preservatives, you can enjoy these guilt-free with confidence and delight.