January 8, 2024
Review RecipeGarlic Bread Meatball Bombs
Garlic bread meatball bombs are savory and flavorful meatball-filled dinner rolls brushed with garlic butter, smothered in marinara sauce, and filled with melty cheese.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with our mouthwatering garlic bread meatball bombs. These delectable bites combine homemade garlic butter, marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and gooey melted cheese, all baked inside soft dinner rolls.
Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Ingredients
Get your taste buds ready for an explosion of flavors with this delightful garlic bread meatball bombs recipe.
Garlic butter, a blend of melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, infuses the meatball bombs with a delightful garlicky aroma.
Soft dinner rolls provide a soft and fluffy base, becoming slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
Tangy marinara sauce enhances the overall taste, complementing the Italian-style meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and nutty grated parmesan cheese.
For The Garlic Butter:
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons of grated garlic (from 2-3 garlic cloves)
- ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
For The Meatball Bombs:
- 12-count package of bakery-style dinner rolls
- 1½ cups of marinara sauce
- 12 Italian-style meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
- 8-ounce block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (I used the Galbani brand)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley
PRO TIP:
You can make your own homemade meatballs if you desire. You want to be sure they are about a 2-inch-sized meatball.
Substitutions and Additions
BUTTER ROLLS: If your local grocery store doesn’t carry fresh bakery dinner rolls, you can opt for a shelf option like the King’s Hawaiian butter rolls as a suitable substitute. They still provide a soft and delicious base for our meatball bombs.
SAUCE: While we love using marinara sauce for its tangy richness, feel free to explore other sauce variations. A chunky tomato sauce, arrabbiata sauce for some heat, or even a pesto sauce can bring unique flavors to the recipe.
MEATBALLS: Customize these cheesy garlic bread bombs recipe by using your favorite type of meatball. Swap out beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. Vegans can try plant-based meatballs for a flavorful twist.
CHEESE: Experiment with different cheese types to suit your taste preferences. Mozzarella cheese works beautifully, but you can also try provolone, gouda, or fontina for a different cheesy experience.
How To Make This Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of these garlic bread bombs for your next gathering or family dinner.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with olive oil cooking spray. Set aside.
STEP TWO: To make the garlic butter, add the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk the butter and garlic mixture to combine. Set aside.
STEP THREE: Place the dinner rolls into the prepared baking sheet. Cut out a 1½-inch well in the center of each roll with a small, sharp paring knife. Be careful not to cut too deep into your roll. You want the meatball to not sink to the bottom of the roll.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can use one of your thawed meatballs as a guide for how big you need to cut out the center of each roll. Just hold it onto the top of the first roll and then cut just around the meatball. This will help to ensure that your center well is not too big.
STEP FOUR: Using a pastry brush, brush the garlic butter mixture into the wells and around the tops of all the dinner rolls.
STEP FIVE: Spoon 1-1½ tablespoons of the marinara sauce into each well (you should have sauce remaining).
STEP SIX: Add a meatball to each sauce-filled roll and top them with the remaining sauce.
STEP SEVEN: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the meatballs and rolls.
STEP EIGHT: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your meatballs at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
STEP NINE: Sprinkle the garlic meatball bombs with the chopped fresh parsley and serve while warm.
How To Serve
These irresistible cheesy meatball bombs are perfect for various occasions. Let’s explore some delightful ways to enjoy them:
Serve these savory meatball bombs at your next party or game night. They make a fantastic crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Pair the meatball bombs with a Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables to create a hearty family dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Plan an Italian-inspired dinner with a spread of spaghetti, garlic bread, and these delectable meatball bombs. Your guests will be blown away by the flavors.
If you are looking for more unconventional ways to enjoy garlic bread, check out our spaghetti stuffed garlic bread and garlic bread sloppy Joes.
MORE MEATBALL RECIPES
Storage
MAKE AHEAD: While these garlic bread meatball bombs are best served fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the meatballs and garlic butter in advance.
Store the meatballs separately in an airtight container in the fridge, and the garlic butter can be kept covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bombs.
IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture and gooey cheese.
IN THE FREEZER: To freeze these easy meatball bombs, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
REHEATING: When reheating from the fridge, preheat your oven to 375°F, and bake the meatball bombs for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and the cheese is melty. If reheating from the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why We Love This Recipe
These garlic bread meatball bombs are a perfect example of comfort food with a flavorful twist. Here’s why we can’t get enough of this recipe:
FLAVOR EXPLOSION: From the garlicky butter to the tangy marinara sauce and the juicy meatballs, each bite is a burst of deliciousness that leaves us wanting more.
FUN TO EAT: There’s something satisfying about biting into these adorable meatball bombs and discovering the delicious surprise inside.
KID-FRIENDLY: The combination of meatballs and cheese inside a roll is sure to win over the hearts of even the pickiest eaters.
Our garlic bread meatball bombs are a delightful combination of rich flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The garlicky butter, savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped inside soft dinner rolls, create deliciousness in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatball bombs with homemade meatballs?
You can use your favorite homemade meatball recipe or store-bought meatballs. Just make sure they’re about 2 inches in size.
Can I add veggies to the meatball bombs?
Feel free to add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
How can I prevent the meatballs from sinking to the bottom of the roll?
Be sure not to cut too deep into the dinner roll when creating the well for the meatball. This will help the meatball stay near the top during baking.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
While marinara sauce is traditional, you can experiment with other tomato-based sauces like arrabbiata or even pesto for a twist.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella works great, you can get creative with other types like provolone, gouda, or fontina for unique flavor variations.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Meatball Subs
- Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
- Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
- Swedish Meatballs And Noodles
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- French Onion Beef
Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs
Garlic bread meatball bombs are savory and flavorful meatball-filled dinner rolls brushed with garlic butter, smothered in marinara sauce, and filled with melty cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic (from 2 to 3 garlic cloves)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Meatball Bombs
- 12 bakery-style dinner rolls
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 12 Italian-style meatballs, thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (I used the Galbani brand)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with olive oil cooking spray. Set aside.
- To make the garlic butter, add the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Place the dinner rolls into the prepared baking pan. Cut out a 1½-inch well in the center of each roll with a small, sharp paring knife. Be careful not to cut too deep into your roll. You want the meatball to not sink to the bottom of the roll.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the garlic butter into the wells and around the tops of all the dinner rolls.
- Spoon 1-1½ tablespoons of the marinara sauce into each well (you should have sauce remaining).
- Add a meatball to each sauce-filled roll and top them with the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the meatballs and rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the garlic meatball bombs with the chopped fresh parsley and serve while warm.
Notes
- You can make your own homemade meatballs if you desire. You want to be sure they are about a 2-inch-sized meatball.
- You can use one of your thawed meatballs as a guide for how big you need to cut out the center of each roll. Just hold it onto the top of the first roll and then cut just around the meatball. This will help to ensure that your center well is not too big.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your meatballs at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 562mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Even More Recipes You’ll Love
- shepherds pie recipe
- beef stew recipes
- chicken and rice casserole with cream of chicken soup
- taco casserole with tortillas
- steak bite recipes
- sloppy joes recipe
Leave a Comment