Ingredients
Scale
or these delightful Lamb and Cheese Sticks, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground lamb: This is the star of the show! Lamb adds a rich, unique flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and that irresistible melt.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives a warm, aromatic touch to the lamb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the lamb.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): For assembling the sticks.
Instructions
Let’s break down the process of making these delicious Lamb and Cheese Sticks into easy-to-follow steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. It makes the process much smoother when everything is within reach!
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Mix the Meat Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground lamb, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley.
- Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overwork the mixture; you want the lamb to remain tender.
Step 3: Form the Sticks
- Take a handful of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and mold it around the skewer, pressing firmly to ensure it holds its shape.
- Continue until you’ve used up all the mixture, typically about 12 sticks.
- For added texture, you can shape them into flat, rectangular sticks or keep them round—whatever you prefer!
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- While you’re forming the sticks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Sticks
- Once the grill is hot, place the lamb and cheese sticks on the grill.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to achieve even browning and to ensure the lamb is cooked through. You want an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C) for ground lamb.
- As they grill, you’ll notice the cheese melting, creating delicious pockets of gooeyness that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the sticks are beautifully browned and cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
- Serve the Lamb and Cheese Sticks warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauces, like tzatziki, ranch, or a spicy yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 16g