Easy Meatball Sub Bites

These Easy Meatball Sub Bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic meatball sub. Made with crescent roll dough, marinara sauce, melty cheese, and juicy meatballs, these mini sandwiches are perfect for game days, parties, or quick snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for parties – A great finger food for gatherings and appetizers.
• Cheesy and flavorful – Gooey mozzarella and zesty marinara make every bite delicious.
• Kid-friendly – A fun and mess-free way to enjoy meatball subs.
• Customizable – Add different cheeses or sauces to mix things up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Frozen or homemade meatballs (fully cooked)
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Butter (melted, for brushing)
• Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Prepare the dough – Separate crescent roll dough and cut into smaller squares. Press each piece into a mini muffin cup.
3. Add sauce and cheese – Spoon a little marinara sauce into each dough cup and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Place the meatballs – Add one cooked meatball to each cup.
5. Top with more cheese – Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. Season and bake – Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve – Let cool slightly, then top with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 mini meatball bites
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Meatball Bites – Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• BBQ Meatball Bites – Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and use cheddar cheese.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites – Add more garlic and butter for a garlic bread-style crust.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free dough or small GF bread rounds.
• Meat-Free Version – Use vegetarian meatballs or mushrooms instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked bites for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before using.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them, then bake fresh when ready.

What’s the best cheese for these?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or cheddar also work great.

Can I use biscuit dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes! Biscuit dough makes them fluffier and more bread-like.

How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

Use less sauce and bake until the dough is golden and crisp.

Can I make these larger?

Yes! Use a regular muffin tin and bigger meatballs for a heartier version.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes! They reheat well and are great for quick lunches or snacks.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Fresh basil or oregano adds a great touch.

What can I serve these with?

They pair well with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes! Air-fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

These Easy Meatball Sub Bites are a quick, delicious, and fun appetizer or snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just a family meal, they’re packed with flavor and super simple to make. Try them today for an irresistible bite-sized treat!

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