Name: Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 (e.g., Galbani brand); 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

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Introduction

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are a delicious and comforting treat that combine savory meatballs, melted cheese, and garlic butter inside soft dinner rolls. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun dinner, these bite-sized bombs are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

A clear glass baking dish holds nine baked rolls in three rows, each topped with a layer of melted white cheese that looks soft and gooey, covering a chunky red tomato sauce with bits of ground meat peeking through. The rolls have a golden-brown crust with some darker browned spots where the cheese has melted more. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding a touch of color contrast. The dish is set against a white marbled background with some loose shredded cheese pieces scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil cooking spray. Set the pan aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to make the garlic butter. Set aside.
Step 3: Place the dinner rolls in the prepared baking pan. Using a small, sharp paring knife, cut out a 1½-inch well in the center of each roll, being careful not to cut too deep so the meatball will not sink to the bottom.
Step 4: Brush the garlic butter into the wells and around the tops of all the rolls using a pastry brush.
Step 5: Spoon 1 to 1½ tablespoons of marinara sauce into each roll well, leaving some sauce remaining for later.
Step 6: Place a meatball into each sauce-filled roll and top each meatball with some of the remaining marinara sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the meatballs and rolls evenly.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh meatballs for the best flavor, or cook frozen meatballs thoroughly before assembling.
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like oregano and basil if you prefer.
For extra garlicky bread, increase the garlic amount in the butter mixture.

Storage

Store leftover meatball bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three savory baked rolls on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each roll has three layers: a soft golden-brown bread base, topped with a thick, rich red tomato sauce that partially drips down, and finished with melted, creamy white cheese that covers the top and drapes over the sides. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled on top for garnish. In the background, there is a glass tray with more rolls and some salt and pepper shakers, along with a bunch of fresh green parsley. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs directly in this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the meatballs before assembling so they heat evenly during baking. If using frozen meatballs, cook them fully in advance or increase baking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for bakery-style dinner rolls?

You can use other soft rolls or small bread bowls. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.