Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated, then shape the mixture into 16 evenly-sized meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. While they bake, thaw your puff pastry if frozen and cut it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly so you can handle them. Wrap each meatball with 2-3 strips of puff pastry, overlapping slightly, to resemble bandages. Press gently to secure the strips in place.
Place the wrapped meatballs back on the baking sheet. Spread shredded cheese over the pastry to mimic mummy bandages, especially around the edges. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
Once baked, decorate each mummy with sliced olives placed for eyes. You can also use small cherry tomato halves if olives aren’t available, pressing them gently onto the cheese for a spooky effect.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve these playful mummy meatballs warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a simple salad for a fun, spooky meal.
