Description
Garlic Bread Meatball Sandwiches combine tender, juicy meatballs with perfectly toasted garlic bread, smothered in melted mozzarella cheese and rich marinara sauce for an irresistible Italian comfort food handheld meal. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable to fit your taste preferences, these sandwiches are perfect for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or beef-pork mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Bread
- 1 French bread loaf or Italian baguette
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For Assembling
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into evenly sized balls and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish, pour marinara sauce over them, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until fully cooked and sauce is bubbly.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice the French bread into sandwich-sized pieces. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush generously on the bread slices. Toast in the oven or on a skillet until golden and fragrant, creating a perfect crunchy and garlicky base.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place hot meatballs with sauce on the garlic toast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return sandwiches to the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove sandwiches from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm for a comforting, melty, and savory experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Always use fresh minced garlic in the butter for the best flavor.
- Let meatballs rest in sauce a few minutes before assembling to absorb more flavor.
- Watch carefully when broiling cheese to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic bread, meatball sandwich, Italian sandwich, comfort food, easy recipe, cheesy sandwich, marinara, party food