If you love garlic bread and meatballs, then you’ll go crazy for these Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs! These cheesy, saucy, and buttery stuffed rolls are everything you need for a satisfying appetizer, snack, or meal. Each hollowed-out dinner roll is brushed with homemade garlic butter, stuffed with a juicy meatball, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, then baked to perfection. 🤤🧄🍞
Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner, these meatball bombs are easy to make, highly customizable, and incredibly delicious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
For the Meatball Bombs:
- 12 dinner rolls (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought, see notes below)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
For the Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions:
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or parmesan for a sharper taste.
- Use brioche rolls for a sweeter, buttery flavor.
- Try turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- Replace sun-dried tomato pesto with basil pesto for a different twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. 🔥
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
These quick and easy stuffed meatball rolls are ready in under an hour! ⏳
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- If using store-bought frozen meatballs, cook them according to package instructions and set aside.
- If making homemade meatballs, prepare them ahead and cook until browned.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Remove from heat and whisk in parmesan cheese, dried parsley, oregano, and black pepper.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together sun-dried tomato pesto, marinara sauce, and olive oil.
- Stir well to combine and set aside.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully hollow out the top of each dinner roll.
- Make sure the hole is slightly bigger than your meatballs but doesn’t go through the bottom.
Step 5: Assemble the Bombs
- Brush the inside of each roll with garlic butter, making sure to coat evenly.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of prepared sauce into each roll.
- Place 1 cooked meatball inside each hollowed-out roll.
- Top with more sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each roll.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange the stuffed rolls close together in the dish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Slice between each roll and serve warm!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Bombs)
- Calories: 572 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 1412mg
- Fiber: 5g
These cheesy meatball bombs are indulgent but packed with protein! 💪
Healthier Alternatives
- Use whole wheat dinner rolls for added fiber.
- Substitute turkey meatballs for a leaner option.
- Reduce cheese to cut down on fat and calories.
- Swap out marinara for a low-sodium version to reduce salt.
Serving Suggestions
- With a side salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad.
- With dipping sauces: Serve with extra marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- As an appetizer: Perfect for game nights, holidays, or potlucks.
- With pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Hollowing the Rolls Deep Enough
- Why it’s a problem: The meatball won’t fit properly.
- Solution: Make sure to create a deep enough cavity without cutting through.
2. Using Cold Meatballs
- Why it’s a problem: The center may stay cold after baking.
- Solution: Always warm up meatballs before stuffing.
3. Overloading with Sauce
- Why it’s a problem: Can make rolls soggy.
- Solution: Use just a tablespoon of sauce per roll.
4. Baking Too Long
- Why it’s a problem: The rolls may dry out.
- Solution: Bake just until cheese melts and bubbles.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Conclusion
These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are the perfect cheesy, saucy, buttery comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or just craving something amazing, these easy-to-make stuffed rolls will be a family favorite! 🍞🔥
Try this irresistible recipe and let us know how you liked it! Pin & share for later! 🧄🧀
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
2. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Just warm them up before stuffing.
3. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or fontina work too.
4. Can I use biscuit dough instead of rolls?
Yes! Biscuit dough will create a fluffier texture.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara! 🔥
Enjoy your Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs, and happy cooking! 🍽️😊
Print🧄 Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs – The Ultimate Cheesy, Saucy Bite!
- Total Time: 45 Minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
For the Bombs:
✅ 12 dinner rolls
✅ 12 cooked meatballs
✅ 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
✅ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅ Cooking spray
✅ Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Garlic Butter:
✅ ½ cup salted butter
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
✅ 1 tsp dried parsley
✅ ½ tsp dried oregano
✅ ¼ tsp ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
✅ ½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
✅ 2 cups marinara sauce
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, cook them as per package instructions. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan, parsley, oregano, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce: Mix sun-dried tomato pesto, marinara sauce, and olive oil in a bowl.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bombs:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13” baking dish.
- Hollow out the tops of each dinner roll (slightly larger than a meatball).
- Brush the inside of each roll with garlic butter.
- Add 1 tbsp sauce into each hole, then place 1 meatball inside.
- Top with remaining sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
5️⃣ Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Slice between rolls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve HOT!
Notes
✔️ Use homemade meatballs for extra flavor! 🍖
✔️ Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a twist. 🧀
✔️ Want extra crispiness? Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. 🔥
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min