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!

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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. 🔥

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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! ⏳

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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!

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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! 💪

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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! 🧄🧀

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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! 🍽️😊

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