Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs combine the comforting flavors of garlic bread with hearty Italian meatballs, all wrapped in a soft dinner roll. This fun and delicious dish is perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic (from 2 to 3 garlic cloves)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 bakery-style dinner rolls
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 12 Italian-style meatballs, thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (Galbani brand recommended)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Slice the top off each dinner roll and hollow out the center, creating room for the filling. Be careful not to break through the bottom or sides of the rolls.
3. Step 3: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce inside each hollowed roll. Place one meatball on top of the sauce, then add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatball. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Step 4: Replace the tops of the rolls. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each roll with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
5. Step 5: Arrange the stuffed rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
• Use different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Swap Italian meatballs for vegetarian or turkey meatballs to suit dietary preferences.
• Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Meatball Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes for a quicker option, though the bread may be softer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Meatball Bombs in advance and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. Baking times may need slight adjustment if chilled.

What type of dinner rolls work best?

Soft bakery-style dinner rolls with a good crumb work best to hold the filling without falling apart. Avoid overly crusty rolls that can crack during assembly.

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Recipe

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4.8 from 117 reviews

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are a delightful twist on classic garlic bread and meatballs, combining the rich flavors of garlic butter, Italian herbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese wrapped inside soft bakery rolls. These savory bombs are perfect as a party appetizer or a satisfying snack, baked to golden perfection with melted cheese inside.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 meatball bombs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Garlic Butter Mixture

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic (from 2 to 3 garlic cloves)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 12 bakery-style dinner rolls
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 12 Italian-style meatballs, thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (Galbani brand recommended)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
2. Prepare the Rolls: Cut the tops off of each bakery-style dinner roll and carefully hollow out the inside to make space for filling, leaving enough bread on the sides to hold together when stuffed.
3. Assemble the Bombs: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce inside each hollowed roll. Place one Italian-style meatball inside each roll. Add shredded mozzarella cheese generously around and on top of the meatball, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Pour a little additional marinara sauce over the cheese, if desired, for extra moisture and flavor.
4. Finish with Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture all over the outside and inside edges of each stuffed roll to ensure a nice, flavorful crust when baked.
5. Bake the Meatball Bombs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the meatballs are heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bombs cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• For best results, use bakery-style soft dinner rolls to easily hollow out and fill.
• Ensure the meatballs are fully cooked before assembling or use pre-cooked frozen meatballs.
• Adjust garlic quantity to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
• Optional: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• Serve immediately for the best texture as the bread remains softer after cooling.

Keywords: garlic bread meatball bombs, meatball appetizers, garlic bread stuffed rolls, cheesy meatball bombs, party snacks