These Mini Italian Meatball Subs are perfect for game days, parties, or quick weeknight meals. They feature tender, make-ahead meatballs nestled in soft dinner rolls, topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. These mini subs are easy to serve, fun to eat, and will disappear fast!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Subs:

6 (3-inch) dinner rolls, split
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

For the Meatballs:

8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1 ¼- to 1 ½-inch meatballs, making about 18-20 meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in marinara sauce and let it warm for 3-4 minutes.
Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Arrange dinner rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Place 3 meatballs into each roll and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 380
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 650mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Enjoy these Mini Italian Meatball Subs as a delicious, bite-sized take on a classic comfort food!

Why Mini Italian Meatball Subs Are a Must-Try

These mini subs offer a fantastic twist on the classic meatball sub, making them more convenient to serve and enjoy. Unlike full-sized subs, which can be messy and difficult to eat, mini meatball subs are the perfect handheld option. They provide all the deliciousness of a traditional Italian meatball sandwich but in a portion-controlled, easy-to-handle format.

Another reason these mini subs stand out is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or serving up something different for a potluck, these bite-sized sandwiches fit the bill. Plus, they’re simple to customize with different cheeses, bread types, or even alternative sauces.

The Appeal of Homemade Meatballs

The homemade meatballs are what truly set this dish apart. They are made from a combination of ground beef and pork, which creates the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. The addition of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and nutmeg enhances the taste while keeping the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

Unlike store-bought frozen meatballs, homemade meatballs give you full control over the quality and seasoning. You can adjust the flavors to your liking and even make them ahead of time to save effort when preparing the mini subs.

The Perfect Combination of Bread, Sauce, and Cheese

Each component of these Mini Italian Meatball Subs contributes to their irresistible appeal:

The Bread: Soft dinner rolls are the ideal vessel for these mini subs. They hold the meatballs securely, soak up the marinara sauce without becoming soggy, and provide a satisfying bite. If you prefer, you can swap them out for slider buns, ciabatta rolls, or even mini baguettes for a slightly different texture.
The Sauce: Marinara sauce adds a bold, tangy contrast to the savory meatballs. Whether you use a homemade sauce or a high-quality store-bought version, the key is to let the sauce simmer with the meatballs for a few minutes to infuse them with extra flavor.
The Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan creates the perfect cheesy topping. The mozzarella melts into a gooey layer, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, slightly salty kick. If you want to mix things up, try provolone, fontina, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist.

Why These Mini Subs Are Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Mini Italian Meatball Subs is how well they fit into different occasions.

Game Day Snacks: These mini subs are the ultimate game day food—easy to grab, full of flavor, and satisfying. Serve them alongside other appetizers like garlic knots, bruschetta, or a fresh salad for a complete spread.
Party Appetizers: Hosting a party? These mini subs can be assembled ahead of time and popped into the oven just before guests arrive. Their small size makes them easy to serve as finger food without the need for utensils.
Weeknight Dinners: If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love, these subs are a fantastic choice. They come together in under 30 minutes and pair well with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even a bowl of soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the most convenient aspects of this recipe is that it can be partially prepared ahead of time.

Make-Ahead Meatballs: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze them, simply cook them as directed, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.
Prepping the Mini Subs: If you’re making these for a party, you can assemble the subs a few hours before serving. Just keep them covered in the fridge and pop them under the broiler right before serving.
Leftovers and Reheating: If you have leftover mini subs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are warmed through.

Customization Ideas to Suit Different Tastes

One of the great things about Mini Italian Meatball Subs is how easily they can be customized. Here are a few ways to switch up the recipe:

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix some chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Try adding a layer of ricotta cheese or topping the subs with a cheese blend that includes provolone, asiago, or gouda.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and serve them on gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps.
Healthier Variation: Swap out the ground beef and pork for lean ground turkey or chicken. Use whole wheat dinner rolls for added fiber.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

If you’re serving Mini Italian Meatball Subs as a meal, consider pairing them with complementary sides to round out the dining experience.

Salads: A crisp Caesar salad, an Italian chopped salad, or a simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing pairs beautifully with these mini sandwiches.
Sides: Garlic parmesan fries, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a side of sautéed spinach add great texture and flavor balance.
Drinks: These mini subs go well with classic Italian sodas, a light beer, or a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Conclusion

Mini Italian Meatball Subs are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual get-together, or just a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, these bite-sized sandwiches will be a hit. The combination of homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and soft dinner rolls creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.

Easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable, these mini subs are a must-try for any food lover. Prepare them ahead of time, switch up the ingredients to match your preferences, and serve them alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal. Once you try these Mini Italian Meatball Subs, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!

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