Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Utilizing store-bought dinner rolls and meatballs can significantly cut down on prep time, making this an easy weeknight meal.
Versatility: Customize the recipe with homemade components or adjust the fillings to suit dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of garlic bread, meatballs, and melted cheese is universally appealing, making it a hit at gatherings and family dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bombs can be prepared in advance and reheated, retaining their delicious flavor and texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 dinner rolls
12 cooked meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking spray
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Butter:

½ cup salted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs: If using store-bought frozen meatballs, cook them according to the package instructions. For homemade meatballs, cook them thoroughly and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and just starting to brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, dried oregano, and ground black pepper.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sun-dried tomato pesto, marinara sauce, and olive oil until well combined.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by coating it with cooking spray.
Hollow Out the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut a hole in the top of each dinner roll, making it slightly larger than the meatballs. Be careful not to cut through the bottom.
Assemble the Bombs: Brush the inside of each hollowed roll generously with the prepared garlic butter. Spoon about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture into each roll, place a meatball inside, and top with additional sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each filled roll and dust with Italian seasoning.
Bake: Place the assembled rolls into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 12 Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs, typically serving 6 people (2 bombs per person).
Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend for varied flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy marinara for an extra kick.
Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary into the garlic butter for additional aroma and taste.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meatballs and dairy-free cheese to create a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the meatball bombs to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Individually wrap each cooled bomb in aluminum foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For refrigerated bombs, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For frozen bombs, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as above.

FAQs

What type of dinner rolls work best for this recipe?

Soft, bakery-style dinner rolls are ideal. They should be sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming too dense.

Can I use store-bought garlic butter?

Yes, store-bought garlic butter can be used to save time. However, homemade garlic butter allows for better control over flavor and ingredients.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for the meatballs?

Absolutely, plant-based meatballs are a great substitute and work well in this recipe.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bombs ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to overfill the rolls with sauce, and bake them at a high enough temperature to create a crispy exterior.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, homemade meatballs will enhance the flavor. Just ensure they are fully cooked before stuffing the rolls.

Can I add extra fillings?

Of course! Consider adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even pepperoni for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use slider buns, mini baguettes, or even small ciabatta rolls for a different texture.

What dipping sauces pair well with this?

Marinara, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli would complement these meatball bombs beautifully.

How can I make these bombs crispier?

Brushing the outside of the rolls with additional garlic butter before baking will help create a crispier crust.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re serving them as a game-day snack, a fun appetizer, or even a main course, they are guaranteed to impress. With easy prep, versatile variations, and make-ahead options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting taste of garlic bread and meatballs. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!