Seafood

Garlic Bread Meatball Subs 2023

 

 

Ingredients:

  • Torpedo rolls
  • Cooking spray (canola oil spray)
  • Softened butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • Frozen meatballs
  • Favorite pasta sauce

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Meatballs:
    • Take frozen meatballs and cook them in your favorite pasta sauce in a crockpot on high for 2 hours or until heated through.
  2. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet:
    • Line a shallow baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
  4. Garlic Butter Spread:
    • In a bowl, mix softened butter and minced garlic to create a garlic butter spread.
  5. Prepare Torpedo Rolls:
    • Slice the torpedo rolls in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside of each roll.
  6. Bake Garlic Bread Rolls:
    • Place the prepared rolls on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  7. Layering:
    • Once the rolls are out of the oven, layer the bottom half of each roll with the cooked meatballs in sauce.
  8. Cheese Layer:
    • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
  9. Sauce Layer:
    • Spoon your favorite pasta sauce over the cheese layer.
  10. More Cheese:
    • Add another layer of shredded Mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  11. Final Bake:
    • Place the assembled meatball subs back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually for about 5-7 minutes.
  12. Serve Hot:
    • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing. Serve your Garlic Bread Meatball Subs hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of garlic bread, savory meatballs, and gooey melted cheese.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or additional toppings like grated Parmesan or chopped fresh basil. These subs are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Here are some tips to make your Garlic Bread Meatball Subs even more delightful:

  1. Homemade Meatballs:
    • Consider making your meatballs from scratch with a blend of ground meats and your favorite seasonings for a personalized touch.
  2. Toast the Rolls Longer:
    • Toast the garlic bread rolls a bit longer if you prefer a crispier texture. Just be sure not to burn them.
  3. Infuse Herbs into Garlic Butter:
    • Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil to the garlic butter spread for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Mix Cheeses:
    • Experiment with a mix of cheeses such as provolone, Asiago, or fontina along with the Mozzarella for a more complex and gooey texture.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs on Top:
    • Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the subs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
  6. Garlic Aioli:
    • Elevate the garlic flavor by mixing minced garlic into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a garlic aioli. Spread this on the rolls for an extra zing.
  7. Sautéed Onions and Peppers:
    • Include sautéed onions and bell peppers for added sweetness and a pop of color.
  8. Balsamic Glaze Drizzle:
    • Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the finished subs for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
  9. Customized Sauce:
    • Personalize the pasta sauce by adding crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
  10. Herb-Infused Meatballs:
    • If using store-bought frozen meatballs, consider adding dried Italian herbs or fresh herbs to the meatball and sauce mixture for extra flavor.
  11. Broil for a Crispy Top:
    • After melting the cheese, broil the subs for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy top.
  12. Fresh Tomatoes or Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
    • Add fresh tomato slices or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of juiciness or a concentrated sweet-tart flavor.
  13. Butter Brush on Top:
    • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted garlic butter just before serving for a glossy finish and an extra dose of garlic flavor.
  14. Serve with a Side Salad:
    • Accompany the subs with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Remember, these tips are just suggestions, and you can tailor them to your taste preferences. Enjoy your upgraded Garlic Bread Meatball Subs!

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to Garlic Bread Meatball Subs:

  1. Can I use a different type of bread for the subs?
    • Yes, you can use different types of bread, such as hoagie rolls, baguettes, or even Italian bread, depending on your preference.
  2. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
    • Absolutely! Freshly made meatballs can be a great alternative. Just ensure they are fully cooked before assembling the subs.
  3. How do I prevent the garlic bread from getting too soggy?
    • To prevent sogginess, make sure the meatballs are not too saucy. You can also toast the garlic bread rolls a bit longer before assembling.
  4. Can I make these subs ahead of time?
    • While it’s best to assemble and bake them just before serving, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble right before baking for the freshest taste.
  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover subs?
    • Reheat individual portions in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispiness of the garlic bread. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add variety to the flavor.
  7. How do I keep the garlic bread from burning during baking?
    • Keep an eye on the subs while baking, and cover them with foil if the tops are browning too quickly. Uncover towards the end to achieve a golden finish.
  8. What side dishes pair well with Garlic Bread Meatball Subs?
    • Common sides include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of coleslaw. These options balance the richness of the subs.
  9. Can I make a vegetarian version of these subs?
    • Yes, you can use vegetarian meatballs or substitute with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or other plant-based alternatives.
  10. How do I prevent the subs from becoming too messy to eat?
    • Allow the subs to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes slicing and serving easier.
  11. Can I freeze the assembled subs before baking?
    • It’s not recommended to freeze assembled subs as the garlic bread may lose its texture. However, you can freeze the components separately and assemble before baking.
  12. What’s the best way to store leftover subs?
    • Store leftover subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
  13. Can I make these subs with turkey or chicken meatballs?
    • Yes, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option. Ensure they are fully cooked before assembling.
  14. How do I customize the level of garlic flavor in the butter spread?
    • Adjust the amount of minced garlic in the butter spread according to your personal preference for garlic intensity.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know!

Achieving the perfect Garlic Bread Meatball Subs involves a combination of techniques and attention to detail. Here are some secrets to elevate your dish:

  1. Freshly Baked Bread:
    • Whenever possible, use freshly baked or warmed garlic bread rolls. The aroma and warmth will enhance the overall experience.
  2. Garlic Butter Infusion:
    • Allow the minced garlic to infuse into the softened butter for a short time before spreading it on the rolls. This intensifies the garlic flavor.
  3. Herb-Infused Butter:
    • Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme into the garlic butter for an added layer of freshness and flavor.
  4. Customized Meatballs:
    • Make your meatballs with a mix of ground meats, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices for a personalized touch.
  5. Slightly Undercook Meatballs:
    • If using store-bought frozen meatballs, slightly undercook them before adding them to the subs. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and remain juicier.
  6. Balance of Sauces:
    • Ensure a balance between the sauce from the meatballs and the pasta sauce to avoid overly soggy subs. Adjust the sauce quantities based on personal preference.
  7. Cheese Variety:
    • Experiment with different types of cheeses or blends for a more complex flavor. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan can be delightful.
  8. Broil for Crispy Edges:
    • If you enjoy crispy edges, broil the assembled subs for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  9. Layering Technique:
    • Layer the ingredients strategically to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of garlic, meatball, cheese, and sauce. Start with the garlic buttered side facing inwards to prevent sogginess.
  10. Fresh Basil or Parsley Garnish:
    • Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
  11. Sautéed Vegetables:
    • Consider adding sautéed onions and bell peppers to the meatball and sauce mixture for added sweetness and texture.
  12. Customized Sauce Seasoning:
    • Enhance the store-bought pasta sauce with additional herbs, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of red wine to personalize the flavor.
  13. Garlic Aioli Dip:
    • Serve the subs with a side of garlic aioli for dipping. It adds an extra punch of garlic flavor and creaminess.
  14. Allow for Resting Time:
    • Let the subs rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes slicing and serving easier.

Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can adjust them based on your personal preferences. Enjoy creating your perfect Garlic Bread Meatball Subs!