Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. These sandwiches feature soft hoagie rolls filled with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just assemble, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Crowds: Great for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings.
- Melty & Crispy: Baking ensures a crispy, golden bun while keeping everything warm and cheesy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hoagie rolls or sub sandwich bread
- Pre-cooked or homemade meatballs
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the meatballs.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place a layer of marinara sauce inside each roll, then add meatballs (about 3-4 per sandwich). Top with more marinara sauce.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs, then add Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Brush the rolls: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush it over the top of each sandwich.
- Bake: Place the sandwiches in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meatballs.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap meatballs for plant-based alternatives.
- Extra Crunch: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just heat them according to package instructions before assembling the sandwiches.
What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or even ciabatta work well since they hold up to the sauce and meatballs.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them. Bake when ready to serve.
What type of cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is the best for melting, but provolone and cheddar add great flavor.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add extra flavor and freshness.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread slightly before assembling and don’t overload it with sauce.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
It’s best to freeze the meatballs separately and assemble fresh when needed.
What side dishes go well with meatball sandwiches?
Garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges pair well.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes! Try Alfredo sauce, pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata for a twist.
What’s the best way to serve these for a crowd?
Place assembled sandwiches in a large baking dish and let guests serve themselves.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their melty cheese, hearty meatballs, and flavorful marinara, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different variations to make them your own and enjoy a delicious homemade sub that beats takeout every time!
PrintOven Baked Meatball Sandwiches
These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are loaded with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all stuffed into toasted sub rolls. They’re baked to perfection, making them a warm, comforting meal for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 frozen or homemade meatballs (about 1½-inch each)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, heat them according to the package instructions. If using homemade, cook them in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Warm the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat. Add the cooked meatballs and stir to coat.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the sub rolls in half, but don’t cut all the way through. Place them in a baking dish.
- Fill the Sandwiches: Spoon 3 meatballs into each roll, along with extra sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs.
- Make Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the rolls with the mixture.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Bread Choice: Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or even ciabatta bread work great.
- Meatball Options: Use beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs.
- Make It Extra Crispy: After baking, broil the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.