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Garlic Meatball Appetizer

These Garlic Meatball Appetizers are a delightful combination of savory meatballs nestled in soft dinner rolls, bathed in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for parties or a fun family meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Garlic Butter

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic from 2-3 cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Appetizer Assembly

  • 12 count package bakery-style dinner rolls
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 12 Italian-style meatballs thawed if from frozen, approximately 2-inch size
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces block whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter.
  • Place the dinner rolls into the prepared baking pan. Carefully cut out a 1.5-inch well in the center of each roll using a small, sharp paring knife. Ensure you don't cut too deep, so the meatball doesn't sink to the bottom.
  • Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter into the wells and around the tops of all the dinner rolls.
  • Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each well. You should have some sauce remaining.
  • Place one meatball into each sauce-filled roll and top with any remaining marinara sauce.
  • Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and the tops of the rolls.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are golden brown.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

These appetizers are best served immediately after baking. Due to the bread absorbing sauce, they are not recommended for refrigeration or freezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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