Easy Meatball Sub Bites: A Quick and Tasty Snack

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:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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:

5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

1. Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the top before baking for an extra kick.
2. Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
3. Customize with Veggies: You can add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms between the layers of meatballs and cheese for added flavor.
4. 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.