Meatball Boats are a fun and delicious twist on the classic meatball sub. These handheld delights feature soft rolls hollowed out to create a “boat,” filled with juicy, homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these boats offer a satisfying combination of crispy bread, savory meatballs, and cheesy goodness. Whether baked to perfection or served fresh, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bread Boats
- 4 soft rolls
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Filling
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and allspice.
- Mix well and shape into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Bread Boats:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the soft rolls on a baking sheet.
- Cut the tops off the rolls and press the inside down to create a boat shape.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Brush the rolls with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until toasted.
- Assemble the Meatball Boats:
- Place two slices of mozzarella cheese inside each roll.
- Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over the cheese.
- Place three meatballs in each boat and top with more marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
These Meatball Boats are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy dinner, they are guaranteed to be a hit! 🍞🍖🧀
For more variations, check out this recipe or this version for different flavors and techniques.