Cheesy Ice Tray Meatballs Recipe

Want a fun, clever trick for shaping perfect stuffed meatballs? Meet Ice Tray Meatballs—the ultimate kitchen hack! Using a simple ice cube tray, you can create perfectly uniform meatballs with a surprise mozzarella center. Crispy on the outside and melty inside, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, appetizers, or even a fun family dinner. Plus, this method makes prep super easy and practically foolproof!

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

These Ice Tray Meatballs are:

• Perfectly portioned every time, thanks to the ice tray hack.
• Crispy and golden on the outside, with a melty mozzarella core.
• Fun and easy to prepare—kids and adults alike will love making (and eating) them!
• Great for parties, snacks, or game-day bites.
• Freezer-friendly, meaning you can prep them ahead and fry them fresh when needed.

What Are Ice Tray Meatballs?

Ice Tray Meatballs are stuffed meatballs formed inside an ice cube tray, ensuring uniform size and shape. This clever trick not only makes shaping easier but also allows you to neatly tuck a piece of mozzarella inside each meatball without messy hands. After a short freeze, they're coated in flour, breadcrumbs, and beer batter before being fried to crispy, golden perfection. Think of them as a fun, modern twist on classic comfort food—and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Pro Tips for the Best Ice Tray Meatballs

• Use a flexible silicone ice tray if possible—it’s easier to pop the meatballs out.
• Don't skip freezing: freezing helps the meatballs hold their shape while coating and frying.
• Seal the mozzarella inside well to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
• Use beer batter right before frying for the crispiest texture.
• Control oil temperature: fry at 350°F (175°C) for golden brown, not greasy, meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bake These Meatballs Instead of Frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked through.

What Can I Use Instead of Beer?

You can substitute sparkling water or club soda to create a light, bubbly batter without alcohol.

How Do I Prevent the Meatballs from Falling Apart?

Make sure to press the meat firmly into the tray and seal around the mozzarella before freezing.

Can I Use Different Cheese for Stuffing?

Of course! Try cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.

How to Store Ice Tray Meatballs

Allow leftover fried meatballs to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.

How to Freeze Ice Tray Meatballs

Freeze the stuffed meatballs in the ice tray for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can fry them directly from frozen after breading, or bread them first and freeze the coated meatballs separately. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month.

How to Make Ice Tray Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together the minced meat, salt, pepper, egg, and ¼ cup of breadcrumbs until well combined.

Press small amounts of meat mixture into the compartments of an ice tray, making a small well in the center.

Insert a mozzarella cube into each meatball and cover with more meat mixture, pressing to seal.

Freeze the filled ice tray for 1 hour to firm up the meatballs.

Prepare a coating station: in one bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper; in another bowl, place the breadcrumbs; and in a third, pour the beer.

Remove the frozen meatballs, dip each one first into the flour mixture, then the beer, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Fry the coated meatballs in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!