Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 12 sliced black olives

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs spaced 2 inches apart.
  4. Unroll the crescent dough and use a pizza cutter to slice the triangles into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch wide.
  5. Wrap a strip of dough around the center of each meatball, overlapping slightly as you move upward, leaving a small horizontal opening near the top for the face.
  6. Gently pinch the end of the dough strip into the meatball to secure the wrap.
  7. Brush the exposed dough strips with melted butter for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
  9. Place a slice of black olive on the exposed face area using a toothpick to create eyes.
  10. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.