Cheesy Meatball Bites

Cheesy Meatball Bites: A Quick and Delicious Appetizer

Looking for an easy and satisfying appetizer that’s sure to please? These Cheesy Meatball Bites are the perfect combination of savory meatballs, gooey mozzarella cheese, and flaky crescent dough, all baked to golden perfection. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes. They make the perfect snack for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 8-oz can Pillsbury Crescent rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• About 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 12 pre-made frozen meatballs

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a regular-sized muffin pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bites once baked.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into two large sections along the perforated lines. Cut each section into thirds, then divide each of those sections in half to create 12 squares in total.
• If you’re using round crescent rolls, simply use one for each muffin cup instead of cutting the dough.

3. Assemble the Bites:

• Press the dough squares into each muffin cup, making sure to press down into the bottom and slightly up the sides to create a little pocket for the filling.
• Add marinara sauce and cheese: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce into the bottom of each dough cup, followed by a spoonful of mozzarella cheese.

4. Add the Meatballs:

• Place one frozen meatball in the center of each dough cup.
• Top with more sauce and cheese: Spoon an additional 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce over each meatball and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for that cheesy goodness.

5. Bake:

• Bake the bites for 15-17 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

6. Serve:

• Once done, remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove each bite from the muffin pan and serve warm.
• Optional: Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes:

• Meatball Options: Frozen meatballs work perfectly in this recipe, but you can also use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they’re cooked before assembling the bites.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can switch it up by using shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 12 bites
• Calories: 240 kcal per bite

These Cheesy Meatball Bites are not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of flaky crescent dough, tangy marinara sauce, melted cheese, and savory meatballs makes them an instant hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun dinner idea, these bites are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!

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