Description

Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a fun and creative twist on the classic sandwich, combining juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and melted cheese atop a soft bread base in perfectly portioned cupcake form. Ideal for parties and gatherings, these bite-sized savory treats bring all the delicious flavors of a traditional meatball sub into a playful and convenient snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Dough Base

Bread dough or biscuit dough (enough to fit cupcake tin, about 12 portions)
Egg wash (optional, 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)

Toppings

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil
Dash of grated Parmesan
Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: Begin by mixing ground beef or turkey with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs that fit perfectly into cupcake molds.
Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and browned. Let them cool slightly before assembly.
Prepare the Dough Base: Roll out bread or biscuit dough slightly, then cut into circles or squares to fit into a cupcake or muffin tin. This will serve as the ‘bun’ of the cupcake.
Assemble the Cupcakes: Place each dough piece into the tin, pressing gently to form a small cup. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce, one cooked meatball, more marinara on top, then finish with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Cupcakes: Optionally brush dough edges with egg wash for a glossy crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until dough is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned.
Cool and Serve: Allow cupcakes to cool slightly to set flavors, then carefully remove from the tin. Serve warm for best texture and taste.

Notes

Make meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking and perfect cupcake portions.
Use good quality marinara sauce to enhance flavor.
Avoid overfilling with sauce and cheese to prevent sogginess.
Let cupcakes cool slightly to firm up for easier handling.
Use mini cupcake tins for bite-sized, party-friendly portions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Meatball sub, appetizer, party food, savory cupcakes, bite-sized snack, meatballs, marinara, mozzarella