Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer or Meal

These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are the ultimate combination of soft dinner rolls, savory meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and a rich garlic butter glaze. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, game day snack, or even a main course, these bombs will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With an irresistible blend of flavors, including a sun-dried tomato pesto and marinara sauce mixture, this dish brings a whole new level of comfort food indulgence. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Meatball Bombs:

• 12 dinner rolls
• 12 cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• If using frozen meatballs, cook them according to the package instructions. If using homemade meatballs, prepare and cook them now. Once done, set the meatballs aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and just starting to brown. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together the sun-dried tomato pesto, marinara sauce, and olive oil. Stir until well combined, and set aside.

4. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the meatball bombs don’t stick during baking.

5. Assemble the Rolls:

• Using a sharp knife, hollow out the tops of each dinner roll, creating a hole large enough to fit a meatball inside without puncturing the bottom.
• Place the hollowed-out rolls in the prepared baking pan.

6. Add Garlic Butter:

• Whisk the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, dried oregano, and ground black pepper into the cooled garlic butter.
• Using a pastry brush, generously coat the inside of each hollowed-out roll with the garlic butter mixture for maximum flavor.

7. Fill with Sauce and Meatballs:

• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce mixture into each hollowed-out roll.
• Place a cooked meatball into each roll and top it off with another spoonful of the sauce.

8. Top with Cheese:

• Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the rolls. Then, sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of the cheese for added flavor.

9. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

10. Serve:

• Once the rolls are baked, slice between each roll, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the garlic bread meatball bombs hot and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• Meatball Options: You can use store-bought or homemade meatballs depending on your preference. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked frozen meatballs work wonderfully!
• Customize the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap the sun-dried tomato pesto for traditional basil pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Perfect for Leftovers: These meatball bombs reheat well, making them a great option for lunch or a snack the next day.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 12 meatball bombs
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

These Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs combine everything you love about garlic bread and cheesy meatballs into one irresistible bite-sized snack. With melty mozzarella, a flavorful garlic butter crust, and tender meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!

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