These hearty and delicious meatball sub boats feature soft, hollowed-out rolls filled with savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 long rolls (hoagie rolls, French rolls, or Italian rolls)
- 1 pound cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the rolls in half lengthwise.
- Gently hollow out the insides of the rolls, leaving a shell about 1/2 inch thick. You can use the removed bread for breadcrumbs or discard it.
- Cook the Meatballs (if needed):
- If using homemade meatballs, cook them according to your recipe.
- If using store-bought meatballs, heat them according to the package directions.
- Heat the Marinara Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warm.
- Assemble the Subs:
- Brush the inside of each roll half with olive oil.
- Place the hollowed-out rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Divide the cooked meatballs evenly among the rolls.
- Spoon the warm marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake the Subs:
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Notes:
- Roll Variations: You can use different types of rolls, such as ciabatta rolls or submarine rolls.
- Meatball Variations: You can use different types of meatballs, such as Italian sausage meatballs or turkey meatballs.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the subs for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the subs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Meatball Sub Boats!