Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with these meatball sub grilled cheese sandwiches. Juicy, marinara-coated meatballs are layered with melted mozzarella and provolone, then sandwiched between buttery, toasted bread. Each bite combines the best of a meatball sub and a grilled cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.
Key Information:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Number of Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 1450mg
Ingredients List:
For the Meatballs:
- 250g (8 oz) ground beef
- 250g (8 oz) ground pork
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices Italian bread (or sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter, softened
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100g (3.5 oz) provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Detailed Method of Preparation:
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the mixture.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs are well-coated in the sauce.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and provolone on each slice, then add 3-4 meatballs (cut in half if they’re too large for the bread). Spoon some extra marinara sauce over the meatballs for added flavor.
- Top with more cheese, then cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the sandwiches on the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over each sandwich during the last minute of cooking for an extra cheesy touch.
Serve Hot:
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, preferably with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use Low Heat for Perfectly Melty Cheese: Cooking the sandwiches over medium-low heat ensures that the cheese has time to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Make Smaller Meatballs for Easier Assembly: Form smaller meatballs to fit better within the sandwich, ensuring you get a bit of meatball in every bite.
- Use a Panini Press for Even Cooking: If you have a panini press, use it to cook the sandwiches for even browning and a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Add a Touch of Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
- Freeze Leftover Meatballs: If you have extra meatballs, freeze them for future meals. They can be reheated and used in pasta dishes or subs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use store-bought meatballs? Yes, you can save time by using pre-made meatballs. Just heat them in the marinara sauce before assembling the sandwiches.
- What bread works best for this recipe? Italian bread or sourdough is ideal because they hold up well and provide a nice crunchy texture. You can also use French bread or even a ciabatta roll.
- Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time? It’s best to make them fresh, but you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and cook the sandwiches when ready to eat.
- Can I use only one type of cheese? Sure! While a mix of mozzarella and provolone gives the best flavor and texture, you can use just one type if that’s what you prefer.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs for the meatballs, and double-check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
If you love the flavors of a classic meatball sub and can’t resist a gooey grilled cheese, this recipe is for you! The combination of saucy meatballs and melted cheese is a true comfort food delight. Take your sandwich game to the next level and savor each bite of this irresistible dish – you’ll be coming back for seconds in no time.