Description
Garlic bread meatball bombs deliver an irresistible fusion of comfort classics from Italian-American cuisine. Melted cheese, savory meatballs, and buttery garlic bread create a handheld delight that invites eager eaters to savor each indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients:
- 12 dinner rolls
- 12 cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Dairy and Cheese:
- ½ cup (113 grams) salted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup (118 ml) sun-dried tomato pesto
- 2 cups (473 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Transform frozen or freshly prepared meatballs into perfectly cooked orbs, ensuring they are heated thoroughly and set aside for future assembly.
- Craft a luxurious garlic butter by gently melting butter and infusing it with minced garlic, allowing the aromatic mixture to develop a subtle golden hue before removing from heat.
- Compose a vibrant sauce by whisking together sun-dried tomato pesto, rich marinara, and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan with a light coating of non-stick spray, creating the perfect environment for baking.
- Delicately carve out the center of each dinner roll using a sharp knife, creating a cozy pocket without compromising the structural integrity of the bread.
- Elevate the garlic butter by incorporating parmesan, dried parsley, oregano, and black pepper, then meticulously brush the interior of each roll with this flavor-packed mixture.
- Layer the rolls with a generous spoonful of sauce, nestling a plump meatball into each bread cavity and crowning it with an additional splash of sauce.
- Blanket the rolls with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and dust with Italian seasoning, preparing them for a transformative baking experience.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble for 10-12 minutes until achieving a golden, appetizing appearance.
- Extract the pan from the oven, carefully slice between the rolls, and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving these delectable meatball bombs piping hot.
Notes
- Meatball Mastery: Choose pre-made or homemade meatballs, ensuring they’re fully cooked and ready to deliver maximum flavor in each bite.
- Garlic Butter Magic: Infuse butter with minced garlic slowly, creating a rich, aromatic base that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Roll Preparation Trick: Carefully hollow out dinner rolls without breaking the bottom, creating perfect pockets for meatballs and sauce.
- Layering Technique: Build intense flavor by brushing rolls with seasoned garlic butter, adding sauce, inserting meatballs, and topping with cheese.
- Baking Brilliance: Watch closely during the 10-12 minute baking window to achieve perfectly melted cheese and warm, gooey centers.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice between rolls for easy individual servings and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg