Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs

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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!

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs
Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs

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
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Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs

🧄 Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs – The Ultimate Cheesy, Saucy Bite!


  • Author: therecipemingle
  • 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

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