Meatball Sub Bites Recipe
If you’re craving all the flavor of a classic meatball sub but want something perfectly poppable for parties, game days, or after-school snacking, Meatball Sub Bites are your new secret weapon. These adorable mini bites pack in gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and savory meatballs, all hugged by golden biscuit dough. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a comforting snack, this recipe transforms familiar ingredients into an irresistible, shareable treat. Trust me, once you try Meatball Sub Bites, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great recipes start with great ingredients, and Meatball Sub Bites are no exception! Everything in this list brings its own magic—whether it’s melty cheese, aromatic herbs, or that golden biscuit crust. You’ll be amazed how these simple elements come together to create a flavor-packed bite.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut to fluffy, golden crusts that make these bites so satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based): The hearty, savory star of each bite—use your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
- Marinara sauce: Adds tangy richness and classic Italian flavor; jarred or homemade both work beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, stretchy, irresistible cheesiness to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives each bite an unmistakable Italian flair.
- Olive oil: Brushing the dough with oil helps it bake up golden and adds a subtle richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Meatball Sub Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures that everything bakes evenly. Lightly grease a muffin tin with a little cooking spray or a touch of olive oil. This helps the bites release easily after baking and gives the bottoms a lovely golden crunch.
Step 2: Shape the Biscuit Dough
Open your can of biscuit dough and gently separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half to make 16 pieces, then flatten each piece into a small circle. Press each dough circle into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the muffin cups. This creates the perfect little basket to hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Add the Meatballs
Place one fully cooked meatball into each dough-lined muffin cup. You can use homemade, frozen, or store-bought meatballs—just be sure they’re cooked through before using. This step is where the hearty, savory flavor really starts to build!
Step 4: Layer on the Sauce and Cheese
Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatball, making sure to cover the top. Then, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and a little grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into a glorious, bubbly topping as the bites bake.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Lightly brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning. This extra step gives the crust a beautiful golden look and infuses each bite with aromatic herbs.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let the bites cool for a few minutes in the tin, then use a small knife to gently loosen and lift them out.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, sprinkle the tops with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Serve your Meatball Sub Bites warm and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Meatball Sub Bites
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a scattering of fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan makes these bites look—and taste—even more special. If you like a little heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Side Dishes
Meatball Sub Bites are a hit at parties, but they also make a fantastic meal when paired with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even a simple bowl of tomato soup. They fit right in at game day spreads alongside chips, pickles, or fresh-cut veggies with dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Meatball Sub Bites into a show-stopping centerpiece by arranging them on a big platter with small dipping bowls of extra marinara, pesto, or garlic butter. For kids’ parties, serve them on skewers or use colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meatball Sub Bites keep beautifully! Once they’re completely cool, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make an awesome grab-and-go snack or a quick lunchbox addition.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bites freeze very well. Place the cooled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the Meatball Sub Bites in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. For a quick snack, you can microwave them for 30–45 seconds, though the oven keeps the crust crispier.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meatballs?
Absolutely! Beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs all work well in Meatball Sub Bites. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the recipe.
What’s the best way to keep the bites from sticking to the muffin tin?
Greasing the muffin tin well with oil or nonstick spray is key. If you want extra insurance, you can also use parchment paper liners, which make removal a breeze.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, you can assemble Meatball Sub Bites up to a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture, or reheat briefly if you’ve baked them in advance.
How can I make these bites spicy?
For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage meatballs for an extra punch.
What if I don’t have biscuit dough?
If biscuit dough isn’t available, you can substitute with pizza dough or crescent roll dough. Just roll or cut it into small circles and proceed as directed—each option creates a slightly different but still delicious base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of Meatball Sub Bites with family and friends. They’re cozy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you love from a classic sub, just in a fun, snackable form. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making double batches from now on!
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Meatball Sub Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Meatball Sub Bites combine savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese nestled inside buttery biscuit dough. Perfect as a party appetizer or a kid-friendly snack, these bite-sized treats bake to golden perfection with a flavorful Italian seasoning finish.
Ingredients
Dough and Meatballs
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 8 cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Cut each biscuit in half and flatten each piece into a small circle. Press each dough circle into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the muffin cups to form a cup shape.
- Assemble Meatball Cups: Place one cooked meatball into each dough-lined muffin cup. Spoon about one tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatball.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce-covered meatballs. Lightly brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake the assembled cups for 15 to 18 minutes until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the meatball bites to cool slightly. Use a knife or small spatula to gently loosen and remove them from the muffin tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use homemade or frozen meatballs that are fully cooked before assembling for best results.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes either in the sauce or sprinkled on top before baking.
- Try adding a slice of provolone cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
