Meatball subs are a classic comfort food that many people enjoy. They can be found at sandwich shops and made at home, with a variety of different sauces and toppings. But, have you ever thought about turning this popular sandwich into a bite-sized appetizer? In this blog post, we will explore the idea of creating meatball sub appetizers, perfect for any party or gathering.

The idea of transforming a meatball sub into an appetizer may seem daunting at first, but with the right tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that your guests will love. These bite-sized morsels are a fun and unique way to enjoy the flavors of a classic meatball sub without the mess that the sandwich version can create. Plus, they’re easy to eat, making them a great option for a cocktail party or game day celebration.

History of Meatball Subs

The origins of the meatball sub are unclear, but it is believed that Italian immigrants brought the idea of meatballs and sauce in a sandwich to the United States. The sandwich became popular in cities with large Italian populations, such as New York City and Philadelphia, where they were sold in sandwich shops and delis.

The meatball sub continued to grow in popularity throughout the 20th century, becoming a staple in many American sandwich shops. They typically make it with Italian-style meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese, all stuffed inside a soft, crusty roll. Over the years, various adaptations of the meatball sub have emerged, with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings making an appearance.

Today, you can find meatball subs on the menu at restaurants across the United States, and many people enjoy making them at home as well. Now, let’s explore the concept of turning this classic sandwich into a bite-sized appetizer that will wow your friends and family!

The Perfect Bite-Sized Meatball

To create a successful meatball sub appetizer, you’ll need to start with the perfect bite-sized meatball. Here are some tips to help you achieve meatball perfection:

1. Choose your meat: A classic meatball sub typically uses beef or a mixture of beef, pork, and veal. However, you can experiment with other types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
2. Add flavorful ingredients: Mix in breadcrumbs, grated cheese, herbs, and spices to give your meatballs a boost of flavor. Don’t forget to add an egg to help bind everything together!
3. Keep them small: Since we will use these meatballs in an appetizer, aim for a size that can be easily eaten in one or two bites. This will make them easier to assemble and eat.

To save time, you can also use frozen meatballs! Our recipe is for busy families and we used frozen meatballs as a time hack so that you can serve these in a hurry.

How to Make Meatball Sub Bites

To get started with this easy appetizer, you need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 15 minutes to cook. Use a package of crescent roll dough, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese slices, butter, garlic powder, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Cut each triangle in half to form two smaller triangles.

Cut each cheese slice into four strips and place one strip on each crescent roll. Place the meatball on top of the cheese and brush it with marinara sauce.

Roll the dough around the meatball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the top with garlic powder, parsley, and parmesan cheese.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the crescent roll dough is golden brown.

Yield: 16

Meatball Sub Bites

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Try these delicious meatball sub bites for a tasty appetizer to share!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce package crescent roll dough
• 16 frozen meatballs
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Cut each triangle in half to form two smaller triangles.
3. Cut each cheese slice into four strips and place one strip on each crescent roll.
4. Place the meatball on top of the cheese and brush it with marinara sauce.
5. Roll the dough around the meatball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the top with garlic powder, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the crescent roll dough is golden brown.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 206Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 336mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g

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Creative Toppings and Sauces

While a classic meatball sub features marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, there are plenty of other options to create unique and delicious bite-sized meatball subs.

Pesto Twist

Swap out the marinara sauce for a basil or sundried tomato pesto, and use provolone cheese for a fresh and flavorful alternative.

Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try using a spicy tomato sauce and adding jalapeños or banana peppers as a topping.

BBQ Style

A tangy BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese can turn your meatball sub appetizer into a tasty homage to southern flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For presenting your bite-sized meatball subs, there are a few options to make them look as irresistible as they taste:

1. Arrange the subs on a platter, perhaps surrounding them with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
2. Skewer each sub with a toothpick, making them easier for guests to pick up and enjoy.
3. For a more elegant presentation, try placing each sub in a mini cupcake liner or on a small serving spoon.

Beverage Pairing Ideas

To create a truly memorable event, consider offering drink pairings for your meatball sub appetizers:

1. A crisp and refreshing lager or pilsner can help cut through the richness of the meatball and sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment.
2. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, can complement the flavors of the meatball sub beautifully.
3. If you want to get creative with cocktails, consider a rosemary pear sangria as a unique and fitting option.

Transforming a classic meatball sub into a bite-sized appetizer is a fun and creative way to delight your guests at your next gathering. By choosing the perfect meatball, experimenting with different sauces and toppings, and assembling your subs with care, you can create a delicious and memorable dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So give these bite-sized meatball subs a try—you won’t be disappointed!