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Meatball Sub Bites with Marinara Sauce

Meatball Sub Bites with Marinara Sauce
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Meatball Sub Bites with Marinara Sauce are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. These bite-sized appetizers feature juicy mini meatballs, melted provolone or mozzarella cheese, and zesty marinara sauce on buttery toasted sub rolls or slider buns. Perfect as a quick snack, party appetizer, or a comforting treat for all ages.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Mini meatballs (pre-cooked or homemade) – about 1 to 2 per bite
  • Sub rolls or slider buns – sliced in half horizontally
  • Marinara sauce – enough to warm and coat the meatballs
  • Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices – 1 slice per bite

For Toasting the Buns

  • Butter – for spreading on buns
  • Garlic powder – sprinkled on buttered buns

Optional Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese – for sprinkling before baking
  • Fresh basil or parsley – chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buns: Slice your sub rolls or slider buns in half horizontally. Lightly butter each cut side and sprinkle with garlic powder for that irresistible toasted aroma and flavor. Set aside while you prepare the other components.
  2. Warm the Meatballs and Sauce: If using pre-cooked meatballs, warm them gently in your marinara sauce over medium heat until heated through and well coated. This step infuses the meatballs with extra sauce flavor and ensures every bite is juicy.
  3. Assemble the Bites: Place a buttered bottom half of each bun on a baking sheet. Add one or two meatballs (depending on size), spoon a bit of marinara over them, then top with a generous slice of cheese.
  4. Toast and Melt: Place the assembled bites under a preheated broiler or in a hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown but not burnt.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra freshness and flavor. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh buns for the best texture and taste.
  • Don’t overload the buns with marinara sauce to avoid sogginess.
  • Watch the bites closely under the broiler as cheese melts quickly and can burn.
  • Use toothpicks to keep the bites intact and easy to serve.
  • Preheat your oven or broiler to ensure even toasting and melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub bites, appetizer, party snack, marinara sauce, mini meatballs, slider buns, cheesy bites, easy snack

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/meatball-sub-bites-with-marinara-sauce/