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Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are a deliciously indulgent appetizer or snack featuring bakery-style dinner rolls hollowed out and filled with Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Brushed with a savory garlic butter mixture and baked until bubbly and golden, they make a perfect party treat or comforting meal that combines flavors of classic Italian cuisine in a handheld form.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Butter

  • 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

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan using olive oil cooking spray. Set aside for use later.
  2. Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This aromatic mixture will infuse the rolls with flavor.
  3. Prepare rolls: Place the dinner rolls in the greased baking pan. Using a small, sharp paring knife, cut out a 1½-inch well in the center of each roll. Take care not to cut too deeply so the meatball will sit securely inside without sinking through.
  4. Brush with garlic butter: Use a pastry brush to generously apply the garlic butter inside the wells and over the tops of all the rolls to ensure maximum flavor.
  5. Add marinara sauce: Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of marinara sauce into each well, reserving some sauce for topping later.
  6. Fill with meatballs and sauce: Nestle one Italian-style meatball into each sauce-filled well, then top the meatballs with the remaining marinara sauce for extra moisture and tang.
  7. Add cheeses: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over all the rolls, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a melty, bubbly cheese topping.
  8. Bake: Bake the assembled meatball bombs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor, and serve warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Ensure meatballs are thawed if using frozen to allow even heating.
  • Do not cut rolls too deep to prevent the meatball from sliding through the bottom.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter.
  • Leftover marinara sauce can be warmed and served as a dipping sauce.
  • These meatball bombs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a crisp finish.

Keywords: Garlic bread meatballs, meatball bombs, Italian appetizer, cheesy meatball snacks, baked meatballs, dinner rolls recipe

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/garlic-bread-meatball-bombs-recipe/