Andy Montoya
Meatball subs are a classic comfort food, and there are many ways to make them. You can use frozen or homemade meatballs, and any type of ground meat, including beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage. For the bread, crusty rolls, baguettes, or hoagie rolls are recommended. The meatballs are then covered in marinara sauce and cheese before being toasted in the oven. The best cheeses for meatball subs are those that will melt well and provide a good cheese pull, such as mozzarella or provolone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French baguette, crusty rolls, hoagie rolls, sub rolls, hot dog buns, soft hoagie rolls, sandwich rolls, slider buns, brioche, Italian sub rolls, French bread |
| Meatballs | Ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, Italian sausage, lamb |
| Sauce | Marinara, tomato, spaghetti |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Monterey, pepper jack, parmesan, havarti |
| Cooking Method | Oven, air fryer, toaster, microwave |
| Cooking Temperature | 375-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 2-8 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Meatball prep: make your own or buy frozen
Meatball subs are a hearty, comforting meal that can be easily prepared with homemade or store-bought meatballs. If you're short on time, buying frozen meatballs is a great shortcut, and they can be found in a variety of flavours and types, such as Italian-style, beef, turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like lentil. Frozen meatballs can be thawed in the fridge, on the stovetop, or in the microwave before being added to your sub.
However, if you have the time, making your own meatballs can elevate the dish and give you more control over the ingredients and flavours. Homemade meatballs can be made with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork, and seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs. You can also get creative and add your own twist, like sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese.
Preparing meatballs from scratch also allows you to make a larger batch and freeze them for later use. This way, you can take advantage of the convenience of frozen meatballs while still enjoying the superior taste of homemade ones. When freezing your own meatballs, it's important to store them in airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and extend their shelf life.
Whether you choose to buy frozen meatballs or make your own, it's essential to ensure they are fully cooked before assembling your sub. This is because the meatballs won't cook all the way through during the brief time they spend in the oven or broiler. By following this tip, you'll ensure your meatball sub is not only delicious but also safe to eat.
In summary, both store-bought frozen meatballs and homemade meatballs have their advantages. Frozen meatballs offer convenience and a quick solution, while making your own allows for customisation and a potentially more flavourful meatball. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, the time you have available, and your culinary ambitions!
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Bread options: hoagie rolls, baguettes, crusty rolls
The bread you use for your meatball sub can make or break the entire sandwich. Hoagie rolls, baguettes, and crusty rolls are all great options, but each has its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice for meatball subs. They are typically soft and absorbent, making them perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the meatballs and sauce. Hoagie rolls are also sturdy enough to hold the saucy meatballs without falling apart or getting soggy too quickly.
Baguettes, on the other hand, offer a different experience. A baguette has a crisp exterior and a soft interior, providing a satisfying textural contrast. When lightly toasted, a baguette can add a delightful crunch to your meatball sub. However, be cautious not to over-toast, as this may result in a sandwich that is challenging to bite into.
Crusty rolls are another excellent option for meatball subs. As the name suggests, these rolls have a crunchy exterior, adding a pleasing texture to your sandwich. The interior of a crusty roll is typically soft and airy, providing a delightful contrast. Similar to hoagie rolls, crusty rolls are sturdy and can withstand the hearty filling of a meatball sub without becoming soggy.
When selecting your bread, it is essential to consider the size of the roll. You want to ensure that it is proportionate to the amount of filling you plan to use. A larger roll can accommodate more meatballs and sauce, creating a heartier sandwich. Additionally, look for rolls that are slightly flattened, as this shape is ideal for toasting and allows for a more even distribution of heat when melting the cheese.
Finally, consider the flavour of the bread. Hoagie rolls and crusty rolls often have a more subtle flavour, allowing the flavours of the meatballs, sauce, and cheese to shine through. Baguettes, especially those with a thicker crust, can contribute a more robust flavour to the sandwich. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics you desire for your meatball sub creation.
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Cheese options: mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, etc
There are several types of cheese that can be used to make a meatball sub, including mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
Mozzarella is a classic choice for meatball subs. It is creamy and mild, complementing the spicy and zesty flavours of Italian meatballs in marinara sauce. It melts perfectly and is widely available. To melt mozzarella on a meatball sub, place slices of mozzarella on the meatballs and put the sub on a sheet pan under a broiler for about five minutes.
Provolone is another popular choice for meatball subs. It is similarly mild but has a nutty and slightly spicy flavour. It is a good choice for those who prefer its flavour or want to add more robust flavours to their sub. To melt provolone, place slices of the cheese on the meatballs and bake the sub for 2-3 minutes.
Cheddar is also an option for meatball subs. It has a more pronounced flavour that can add interest to the sub. To melt cheddar, follow the same steps as for melting mozzarella or provolone.
Other cheese options for meatball subs include Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Swiss, Muenster, Pepper Jack, Buratta, Ricotta, Gorgonzola, and Blue Cheese.
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Assembly: add sauce, then cheese, then bake
To assemble a meatball sub, start by cutting the sub roll almost in half, leaving a hinge. Place the cut sub roll on a sheet tray. You can use hoagie rolls, French baguettes, or crusty rolls.
Next, add the sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Spoon the sauce onto the roll, adding a spoonful of sauce over each meatball.
Then, add the cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of the two are the most popular choices, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey, or pepper jack cheese. Cover the meatballs with slices or shreds of cheese. If you use shredded mozzarella, it will melt faster and reduce the risk of burning the bread.
Finally, bake the meatball sub in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil the sandwich for 1 to 2 minutes, or up to 5 minutes if the cheese hasn't melted. Keep an eye on the sub to prevent burning. If you want toasted bread, bake the sub uncovered. If you prefer softer bread, wrap the sub in tin foil before baking.
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Cooking methods: oven, air fryer, microwave
Oven
Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your meatballs in a baguette, hoagie roll, or crusty roll. Top with marinara sauce and slices of cheese such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses. Place the meatball sub on a sheet pan or tray and put it in the oven for 2 to 8 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Air Fryer
Place your meatballs in a baguette, hoagie roll, or crusty roll. Top with marinara sauce and slices of cheese such as mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar. Place the meatball sub in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is laid flat. Set the temperature to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Microwave
Place your meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat them until they are warmed through. Place the warmed meatballs in a baguette or roll. Top with marinara sauce and grated or shredded cheese. Microwave in short bursts until the cheese is melted.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to melt cheese on a meatball sub is to bake the entire sandwich in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.
Mozzarella and provolone are the most popular choices for meatball subs. Shredded mozzarella melts faster and at the same pace as the bread browns, while fresh mozzarella takes longer to melt and may burn the bread.
Depending on the amount of cheese and the method used, it takes 2-8 minutes to melt cheese on a meatball sub.
