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Meatball Sub Bites

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🍢 These meatball sub bites deliver the comforting flavors of a classic sub in a fun, finger-friendly format, ideal for parties with minimal effort and maximum appeal.
🧀 Made with simple frozen dough and saucy meatballs, this easy appetizer provides cheesy, herby bites that are crowd-pleasing and perfect for game days or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bites (6 servings)

Ingredients

– 12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls, about 1 ½ ounces each

– 12 ounces fully cooked meatballs, thawed

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

– 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

– 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

1-First Step: Thaw and Prepare the Dough Start by letting the 12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This softens them up and makes them easier to work with. Once thawed, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2-Second Step: Assemble the Bites Cut each of the 12 rolls in half, giving you 24 pieces. Take one piece of dough and wrap it completely around a thawed meatball, pinching the seams firmly to seal everything in. Place each wrapped meatball seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

3-Third Step: Let the Dough Rise Cover the baking sheet with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise until it’s almost doubled in size, which takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours. This step is crucial for that fluffy texture, so find a warm spot in your kitchen for it.

4-Fourth Step: Preheat and Bake Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and position the rack in the middle for even baking. Once ready, pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bites for 15 to 16 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

5-Fifth Step: Add Finishing Touches Right after baking, brush the tops of the bites with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for a shiny finish. Then, sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh basil for extra flavor.

6-Sixth Step: Serve and Enjoy Final step is to serve the bites warm with 1 cup of warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The total preparation time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with only 15 to 16 minutes of actual baking.

Last Step:

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Notes

✅ Use turkey or chicken meatballs or plant-based meatballs as alternatives to beef.
🍝 Try Alfredo sauce or pizza sauce instead of marinara for different flavors.
🧀 Choose sharper cheeses for stronger flavor.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Kid-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 bites
  • Calories: 222
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg