Description
Delightful Meatball Sub Bites featuring juicy beef meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, wrapped in soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich homemade marinara sauce. A perfect bite-sized twist on the classic meatball sub.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Sub Bites
- Cooking spray
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 1/4 oz. shredded Provolone (about 1/3 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 Tbsp. Italian bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- 2 oz. shredded Parmesan (about 3/4 cup), divided
- 24 perlini or noccioline mozzarella balls
- 12 oz. store-bought or homemade pizza dough
Marinara Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 sprigs basil
- 2 sprigs oregano
- 2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan
- 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack inside the sheet and spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make meatball mixture: In a medium bowl, beat one egg to blend. Add ground beef, finely chopped onion, shredded Provolone, garlic, parsley, Italian bread crumbs, fresh basil, fresh oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the shredded Parmesan. Gently stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form meatballs with mozzarella centers: Using a 1 1/2-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, portion out 1-ounce balls of the beef mixture. Flatten each ball slightly with the heel of your palm, place one mozzarella ball in the center, then enclose the beef mixture fully around the mozzarella. Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes until partially cooked. Remove from oven and transfer meatballs to a plate to cool. Remove the wire rack and replace the parchment paper on the baking sheet. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare dough-wrapped sub bites: Divide the pizza dough into 24 equal portions, about 1/2 ounce each. Flatten each piece with your palm, place one cooled meatball in the center, and enclose the dough completely around the meatball. Place each dough-wrapped meatball seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply egg wash and Parmesan: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg. Brush the tops of each dough-wrapped meatball with the egg wash. Sprinkle each with a pinch of the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese to add a golden color and flavor.
- Bake the sub bites: Bake the prepared sub bites in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Make the marinara sauce: While the sub bites bake, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook while stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly browned, approximately 3 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil sprigs, oregano sprigs, shredded Parmesan, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Lower the heat to low and simmer uncovered until the sauce slightly thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the Meatball Sub Bites on a platter and serve alongside the homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Ensure the mozzarella balls are fully enclosed within the meatballs to prevent leaking during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the crushed red pepper flakes in the marinara.
- Pizza dough can be store-bought or homemade based on your preference.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be formed and baked in advance, then assembled with dough later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Meatball Sub Bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
