Italian wine balls, also known as “polpette di vino”, are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that will elevate any dinner party or gathering. These savory bites are a popular dish in Italy and are often enjoyed alongside a glass of wine. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make the perfect Italian wine balls and provide some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out just right. So grab a glass of wine and let’s get started!
Kick your beer can chicken game up a notch with this Italian-inspired recipe for stuffed artichokes. These tender and flavorful artichokes are stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian herbs, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. The beer in the can helps to keep the artichokes moist and infuses them with a rich, hoppy flavor. Serve these as a unique and delicious side dish at your next barbecue or dinner party.
2of 20
Italian Meatless Balls
Main Ingredients: Flax Meal, Water, Vegan Margarine, Onion, Garlic
For a vegetarian twist on classic meatballs, try making these Italian meatless balls using a beer can chicken. The combination of seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs create a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional meatballs. These meatless balls are also great for meal prepping and can be served over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own as a tasty appetizer.
Tender and flavorful, this Italian pot roast recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and olive oil before being placed on the beer can and roasted to perfection. The result is a succulent and juicy chicken with a crispy skin that pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy polenta.
4of 20
Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Chicken Stock, Unsalted Butter
Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is shredded and mixed with risotto rice, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs before being formed into balls and fried until golden brown. These crispy and savory balls are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even as a main dish with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
5of 20
Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Olive
Looking for a low maintenance beer can chicken recipe? Try this slow cooker Italian pulled pork. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic before being placed on the beer can and cooked on low in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours. The result is a tender and flavorful pulled chicken that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over pasta.
6of 20
Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Take your ravioli game to the next level with this creamy and flavorful Italian ravioli recipe. The beer can chicken adds a delicious and unique twist to this classic dish. The chicken is mixed with ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian herbs before being stuffed inside the ravioli and topped with a creamy tomato sauce. Serve this dish as a hearty and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
7of 20
Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
For a hearty and comforting meal, try making this traditional Italian Bolognese sauce using your beer can chicken. The chicken is simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, wine, onions, carrots, and Italian herbs. Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta for a filling and delicious dinner that is sure to please.
This one-pot cheesy Italian pasta and chicken dish is a great way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with penne pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs before being baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
9of 20
Philly Style Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Rabe, Olive Oil, Wine, Minced Garlic, Pepper
If you're a fan of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, then you'll love this Italian twist on the classic dish. The beer can chicken is mixed with Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese before being stuffed into a hoagie roll and baked in the oven. These sandwiches are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a game day or party spread.
This authentic Italian pasta carbonara recipe is a delicious and indulgent way to use up your beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, and parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad.
11of 20
Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Linguine, Garlic Cloves, Onion, White Wine
This authentic Italian chicken cacciatore recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The beer can chicken is simmered in a tomato-based sauce with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and Italian herbs until it is tender and falling off the bone. Serve this dish over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
12of 20
Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Celery, Rosemary, Red Wine, Peeled Tomatoes
Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways. For an Italian twist, try stuffing your peppers with a combination of Italian sausage, rice, tomatoes, and beer can chicken. The chicken adds a unique and delicious flavor to these peppers that will make them a hit with the whole family.
13of 20
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Red Peppers, Garlic, Italian Parsley, Red Onion
This Italian sausage and peppers recipe is a quick and easy way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is sautéed with sliced Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and Italian herbs for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve this dish over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Baked beans are a classic side dish, but you can give them an Italian twist by adding beer can chicken to the mix. The chicken is mixed with white beans, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and Italian herbs before being baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Serve these beans as a tasty and unique side dish at your next barbecue or potluck.
15of 20
Italian Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Turkey Bacon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Diced Red Onions
This Italian sausage and peppers dish is another delicious way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with sliced Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes before being cooked in a skillet until everything is tender and flavorful. Serve this dish over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
For a hearty and comforting meal, try making this Italian beef stew using your beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and Italian herbs before being slow-cooked until everything is tender and flavorful. Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
17of 20
Italian Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Shallot, Medium Carrots, Stewing
This Italian sausage chili recipe is a delicious and unique way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with Italian sausage, beans, tomatoes, and chili seasonings for a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve this chili with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.
For a healthy and flavorful soup, try making this Italian vegetable beef soup using beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with beef broth, vegetables, tomatoes, and Italian herbs for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious broth.
19of 20
Italian Vegetable Beef Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef, Beans, Carrots, Onion, Red Pepper, Celery, Green
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian meal, try making these 30-minute Italian meatballs using beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs before being formed into balls and baked in the oven. Serve these meatballs over pasta or in a sub sandwich for a quick and tasty meal.
20of 20
30 Minute Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Turkey, Lemon, Egg, Salt, Pepper, Garlic
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional stuffed shells, try making these Italian stuffed shells using beer can chicken. The chicken is mixed with ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian herbs before being stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and baked in the oven with a creamy tomato sauce. Serve these shells as a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
1. Bread Crumbs
When it comes to making Italian wine balls, the type of bread crumbs you use can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. For best results, opt for panko bread crumbs as they are coarser and provide a crunchier texture compared to traditional bread crumbs. You can also use Italian seasoned bread crumbs for added flavor.
2. Ground Meat
While the traditional recipe calls for ground beef, you can experiment with different types of ground meat such as pork, chicken, or turkey to suit your taste. Just make sure to use lean meat to avoid a greasy texture. You can also combine different meats for a unique and flavorful twist.
3. Parmesan Cheese
No Italian dish is complete without some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a rich and nutty flavor to the wine balls. Make sure to use high-quality cheese for the best taste.
4. Herbs and Spices
To add depth and complexity to the dish, you can season the wine balls with a variety of herbs and spices such as garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. These will not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful aroma to the dish.
5. Wine
As the star ingredient of this dish, the type of wine you use is crucial. For best results, use a dry red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine will help bind the ingredients together and give the balls a rich and robust flavor.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, ground meat, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices until well combined.
Slowly add in the wine, a little at a time, and mix until the mixture comes together and is easy to form into balls.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add the wine balls, cooking until browned on all sides.
Remove the wine balls from the skillet and drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Serve the wine balls hot, with toothpicks for easy serving.
Tips:
For added flavor, you can add some sundried tomatoes, olives, or capers to the mixture before forming the balls.
If you prefer a more crispy texture, you can bake the wine balls in the oven at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Make sure not to overcook the wine balls as they can become dry and lose their flavor.
If you have any leftovers, you can use them to make a delicious meatball sub or add them to a pasta dish.
Now that you know how to make the perfect Italian wine balls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. Impress your guests with this unique and flavorful appetizer that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. Buon appetito!
