If you can imagine savoring all the iconic flavors of a classic meatball sub in just one perfect bite, you’re in for a treat! Meatball Sub Bites wrap up hearty, saucy meatballs, melted cheese, and soft, golden biscuit dough into the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re fun to make, take just minutes to prep, and always disappear faster than you can bake a second batch. Whether for game day, parties, or a laid-back family movie night, these bites deliver the comfort food magic you crave—no fork required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about simplicity: the beautiful thing about Meatball Sub Bites is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create serious flavor. Each item is chosen to deliver robustness, tenderness, and that gooey, cheesy finish—nothing complicated, just classics done right.
- Ground beef: The heart of every meatball, giving these bites their juicy, savory center.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding and keeping the meatballs tender—not tough or dry.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty punch of flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
- Large egg: Helps the mixture hold together, preventing crumbling during cooking.
- Minced garlic: Infuses each bite with robust, aromatic flavor—fresh is always best!
- Italian seasoning: Brings those classic herby, earthy notes you expect from a great meatball.
- Salt: Just the right amount to enhance every other ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, without overpowering the dish.
- Marinara sauce: Provides the classic tangy, sweet tomato goodness that ties the bites together.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut to fluffy, golden miniature “sub rolls”—and it crisps up beautifully!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, irresistible layer over each bite, truly sealing the deal.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a hint of brightness at the end.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your bites from sticking, so every single one pops out perfectly.
How to Make Meatball Sub Bites
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Generously coat a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray—this helps prevent sticking, so the Meatball Sub Bites slide out easily and cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—just until everything is blended, but don’t overwork it. Take small amounts of the mixture and shape into 24 mini meatballs. They should be about the size of a walnut, perfect for nestling into the dough cups later.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium and add your mini meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to brown all sides. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. This step keeps the filling juicy and ready for its cheesy, saucy embrace.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Bases
Pop open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough (the most satisfying kitchen task, let’s be honest). Separate into 8 rounds, then cut each round into thirds for a total of 24. Gently flatten each dough piece and press it into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, creating a little nest to hold all the goodness.
Step 5: Fill with Sauce, Meatballs, and Cheese
Spoon a tiny bit of marinara sauce into each dough cup, then place a cooked meatball on top. Add another spoonful of marinara over each meatball—don’t skimp on the sauce! Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. This is when Meatball Sub Bites start looking seriously irresistible.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the biscuit dough is puffed and golden and the cheese is beautifully melted. Once done, let the bites cool for 5 minutes in the tin (this helps them hold together), then gently lift them out. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if you like… and try not to eat them all before they reach the table!
How to Serve Meatball Sub Bites
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a little herby freshness—but you can also dust with extra Parmesan or even a few chili flakes if your crowd loves a kick.
Side Dishes
These bites make an epic appetizer plate on their own, but if you want to go the extra mile, add a big Italian chopped salad or a bowl of crunchy veggie sticks with ranch for dipping. For heartier appetites, pair Meatball Sub Bites with garlic knots or a simple bowl of soup on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve on a platter lined with red-and-white sandwich paper for retro sub shop vibes, or stick decorative picks in each bite for easy, grab-and-go party food. They also make a clever mini main course if you’re throwing a buffet-style family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any leftover Meatball Sub Bites (miracles happen), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The biscuit stays surprisingly soft, and the flavors meld together even more overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bites cool completely, then pack them in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and no sogginess.
Reheating
For the perfect revival, arrange the Meatball Sub Bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot throughout. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a twist—just make sure to adjust cooking time as leaner meats can cook more quickly. You could even use a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian version.
Can I make these Meatball Sub Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites up to the baking step and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed so they come out piping hot and fresh.
What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?
No worries! You can use a regular muffin tin for slightly larger bites—just flatten the biscuit pieces a little more and add two meatballs per cup. Adjust baking time and keep an eye so the dough doesn’t over-brown.
Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
Definitely! Just heat them fully in the oven or microwave before placing into the biscuit cups with sauce and cheese. This shortcut makes the recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
How do I keep the biscuit dough from getting soggy?
A light pre-bake (about 2–3 minutes) of the biscuit cups before filling helps, or just go easy on the sauce at the bottom. The edges will always bake up crisp and golden, even if the centers stay tender from the sauce and cheese.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—everything you need to turn your next party, weekend snack craving, or casual dinner into a little celebration with the irresistible charm of Meatball Sub Bites. Give them a try; once you taste how easy and fun they are, you’ll be finding any excuse to whip up another batch!
Print
Meatball Sub Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Meatball Sub Bites are a fun and easy-to-make appetizer that packs all the flavors of a classic meatball sub into bite-sized portions. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings, these mini meatball cups are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 24 small meatballs. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the Bites: Cut biscuit dough into thirds and press into muffin tin cups. Add marinara sauce, a meatball, more sauce, and mozzarella cheese to each cup.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought frozen meatballs for a quicker option—just heat according to package directions before assembling.
- Experiment with different cheeses or sauces for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
