Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs

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These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are a mouthwatering blend of cheesy garlic bread and savory meatballs, all baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or a fun family dinner, these delicious bombs are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking pan with olive oil cooking spray. Set aside.

Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to mix well and set aside.

Prepare the rolls: Place the dinner rolls in the prepared baking pan. Using a small, sharp paring knife, cut a 1½-inch well in the center of each roll. Be careful not to cut too deep; you want the meatball to rest securely in the roll.

Add garlic butter: Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter inside the wells and over the tops of all the dinner rolls.

Add marinara sauce: Spoon 1-1½ tablespoons of marinara sauce into each well. You should have some sauce remaining for later.

Insert meatballs: Place a meatball into each sauce-filled roll and top with the remaining marinara sauce.

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and rolls.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the garlic meatball bombs with chopped fresh parsley and serve while warm.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 12

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. The cheese will be perfectly melted and the garlic butter will be aromatic and flavorful.
  2. Pair with Dips: Consider serving them with extra marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli for dipping.
  3. Side Dishes: Pair these bombs with a fresh green salad or a bowl of pasta for a complete meal.
  4. Presentation: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, place the bombs on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Freezing: If you wish to freeze the bombs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Enjoy these Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs fresh or reheated for a delicious snack or meal anytime!

Variations:

  1. Spicy Meatball Bombs: Add a kick by mixing some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or using spicy Italian sausage instead of regular meatballs.
  2. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: For an extra cheesy surprise, stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or your favorite cheese before baking.
  3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based meatballs. You can also use roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini as the filling.
  4. BBQ Meatball Bombs: Replace the marinara sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce and use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a smoky, tangy twist.
  5. Pizza Meatball Bombs: Add a slice of pepperoni or some chopped olives and mushrooms to each roll before adding the meatball and marinara sauce for a pizza-inspired variation.
  6. Pesto Meatball Bombs: Swap out the marinara sauce for basil pesto and use shredded provolone cheese for a fresh and flavorful alternative.
  7. Buffalo Chicken Bombs: Use buffalo sauce instead of marinara and substitute the meatballs with cooked, shredded buffalo chicken. Top with blue cheese crumbles instead of mozzarella.
  8. Breakfast Bombs: Replace the meatballs with breakfast sausage or bacon, add scrambled eggs, and use cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping.
  9. Herb and Garlic Butter: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to the garlic butter mixture for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
  10. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free dinner rolls and ensure that all other ingredients (like the meatballs and marinara sauce) are gluten-free.
  11. Asian-Inspired Meatball Bombs: Use teriyaki or hoisin sauce instead of marinara and replace the meatballs with Asian-style pork or chicken meatballs. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  12. Greek Meatball Bombs: Use tzatziki sauce in place of marinara and add crumbled feta cheese and chopped Kalamata olives. Use lamb or beef meatballs seasoned with Mediterranean spices.

Experiment with these variations to create your own unique and delicious Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe? Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked if they are frozen, or thaw them according to the package instructions before using them in the recipe.
  2. Can I prepare these Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the meatball bombs a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
  3. What type of marinara sauce should I use? Any marinara sauce you prefer will work. You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. Feel free to choose a sauce with your favorite flavor profile.
  4. Can I freeze the Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs? Yes, you can freeze the baked meatball bombs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
  5. What can I use instead of dinner rolls? You can use slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even small baguette slices. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and type of bread used.
  6. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? To prevent sogginess, make sure not to overfill the rolls with marinara sauce. Adding just enough sauce to coat the meatball and using a good quality, thick marinara can help.
  7. Can I make these meatball bombs gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free dinner rolls and ensure that your meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free as well.
  8. What type of cheese works best for this recipe? Whole milk mozzarella is recommended for its meltability and flavor, but you can use other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  9. Can I add other toppings to the meatball bombs? Absolutely! You can add pepperoni, olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor and texture.
  10. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

These FAQs should help you successfully create and enjoy your Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs!

These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are a delicious and fun twist on traditional garlic bread and meatballs. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with your loved ones!