Easy Meatball Sub Bites are the perfect handheld snack or appetizer for any occasion. They combine the flavors of a classic meatball sub but in a fun, bite-sized form. With savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and marinara sauce, these little bites are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 pack slider rolls or dinner rolls, split
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing on top of the rolls)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat). - Form the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Assemble the Sub Bites:
- Prepare the Rolls:
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary. - Layer the Meatballs and Sauce:
Place the baked meatballs on the bottom halves of the rolls. Spoon a little marinara sauce over each meatball, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. - Top with the Rolls:
Place the top halves of the slider rolls on top of the meatballs and cheese. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter and sprinkle with a little dried basil if desired. - Bake the Sub Bites:
Bake the assembled sub bites for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Sugar: 6g
Tips for the Best Meatball Sub Bites
- Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the top before baking for an extra kick.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Customize with Veggies: You can add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms between the layers of meatballs and cheese for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the meatball sub bites the day before and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer.