Why You’ll Love This Fun Meatball Sub Appetizer

Are you searching for an appetizer that truly stands out, yet requires minimal effort? Look no further! Our Meatball Sub on a Stick recipe is specifically designed to be both incredibly simple to prepare and an absolute hit with everyone. This creative approach to a traditional meatball sub solves the common party dilemma of messy eating, offering a clean, portable solution that makes self-serving a breeze. We’ve witnessed firsthand how these skewers become the unexpected star of any gathering, disappearing quickly as guests rave about their deliciousness and unique presentation.

This recipe embodies convenience without compromising on flavor. By utilizing readily available ingredients like frozen meatballs and canned breadstick dough, you can whip up a batch of these savory bites in under an hour. The combination of tender meatballs, soft seasoned bread, and gooey melted mozzarella, all dipped in warm marinara, creates a symphony of flavors that is genuinely addictive. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and innovative party fare, making it a must-try for your next family meal or social event. Prepare to receive endless compliments and requests for the recipe!

“This was really good! So easy and so fun and everyone ate all of them up! Definitely a hit at our party.”
– Sierra

Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Meatball Sub Skewers

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your Meatball Sub on a Stick from great to absolutely extraordinary. Follow these guidelines to ensure every skewer is a masterpiece of flavor and texture:

• Customize Your Meatball Choice: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t feel limited to a single type of meatball! Experiment with different flavors like classic beef, lean turkey, spicy Italian-style, or even plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian-friendly option. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and frozen, as this recipe’s cooking times are based on that premise.
• Bread Dough Alternatives: While refrigerated breadstick dough offers unparalleled convenience, feel free to substitute with other types of dough. Crescent roll dough can be unrolled and cut into strips, or you can use store-bought pizza dough, rolled thin and cut into approximately 12 uniform strips. The goal is to have enough pliable dough to wrap around your meatballs securely.
• Proper Meatball Thawing for Easy Skewering: The key to effortless assembly is slightly thawed meatballs. They should be soft enough to easily pierce with a skewer without cracking, but not fully cooked or mushy. If you’re short on time, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can do the trick. Remember, you’re just softening them, not cooking them through!
• Mastering Meatball Quantity: A standard tube of breadstick dough typically yields 12 pieces, and with three meatballs per skewer, you’ll need approximately 36 meatballs in total. However, frozen meatballs come in various sizes. Use your best judgment to ensure your chosen meatballs fit comfortably on your bamboo skewers, leaving enough space on both ends for handling. Larger meatballs might mean fewer per skewer or require longer skewers.
• Avoid Raw Meatballs: This recipe is specifically formulated for pre-cooked meatballs. Using raw meatballs would significantly alter the baking time and could result in uneven cooking, as the dough might cook before the meatballs are safely done. Stick to frozen, pre-cooked varieties for guaranteed success.
• Enhance Flavor with Seasoning: Italian seasoning is crucial for that authentic “sub” taste. Don’t be shy with your sprinkle after the initial bake! For an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano with your Italian seasoning blend.
• Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt: The final brief bake is all about getting that gorgeous, gooey, melted mozzarella. Keep a close eye on your skewers during these last few minutes to prevent the bread from over-browning while ensuring the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
• Optimal Serving Temperature: These meatball skewers are undeniably best when served warm, allowing the cheese to maintain its irresistibly melty texture and the breadstick to remain soft. Prepare your marinara sauce to be warmed and ready for dipping right as the skewers come out of the oven.

Essential Ingredients for Your Meatball Sub Skewers

Creating these delightful appetizers requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward components, which combine to create a remarkably flavorful snack:

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked and ready to heat, these are the star of the show. Choose your favorite variety, whether it’s beef, turkey, or Italian-flavored. Remember to thaw them slightly before use for easier assembly.
• Breadstick Dough: Found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, this dough bakes up into perfectly soft, golden bread that encases the meatballs. Pillsbury brand is a popular choice.
• Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning infuses the bread and meatballs with that signature Italian-American taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is ideal for its excellent melting properties, providing a creamy, gooey layer that completes the “sub” experience.
• Marinara Sauce: A must-have for dipping! A good quality store-bought marinara or your own homemade sauce will add the perfect tangy counterpoint to the rich meatballs and cheesy bread.
• Bamboo Skewers: Essential for turning these into easy-to-handle “subs on a stick.” Standard 6-inch or 8-inch skewers work well.

How to Assemble and Bake Your Meatball Sub on a Stick

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a batch of these crowd-pleasing meatball sub skewers. The process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome even for novice cooks.

1. Preheat and Prep Baking Sheets: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats, prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the breadstick dough from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup after baking.
2. Prepare the Breadstick Dough: Carefully unroll one tube of refrigerated breadstick dough. Gently separate the dough into its 12 pre-cut individual breadsticks. If you’re using an alternative dough, prepare it by cutting it into roughly 12 equal strips, each about the size of a standard breadstick.
3. Begin Skewer Assembly – First Meatball: Take one bamboo skewer. Thread one end of a breadstick piece onto the skewer, pushing it about halfway up the skewer’s length. Next, add one slightly thawed meatball, sliding it down until it meets the breadstick dough. Carefully wrap the remaining breadstick dough around the meatball, securing it snugly in place.



4. Complete the Skewer: Continue the threading process for the same skewer. Add a second meatball, then wrap more of the breadstick dough around it. Repeat this one more time, adding a third meatball and wrapping it with the remaining dough. Each skewer should have three meatballs neatly encased in the dough, forming a cohesive unit.



5. Arrange for Baking: Carefully place each assembled meatball skewer onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about one inch apart. This spacing is important to allow for proper airflow and even baking, preventing them from steaming instead of browning. Repeat this entire assembly process with the remaining breadsticks and meatballs until all 12 skewers are ready.



6. Initial Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the frozen meatballs will thoroughly heat through, and the breadstick dough will puff up, turn a beautiful light, golden brown, and become deliciously tender. To ensure consistent cooking and browning, it’s a good practice to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.



7. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Once the initial baking is complete, carefully remove the pans from the oven. Now, it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Generously sprinkle each meatball with shredded mozzarella cheese, aiming for even coverage across all the meatballs. Follow this with a light, even sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the melted mozzarella to enhance the flavor.



8. Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheets to the oven for a quick final bake, approximately 3-4 minutes. This short burst of heat is just enough to perfectly melt the mozzarella, making it wonderfully gooey and slightly bubbly. Keep a close watch to prevent the bread from over-browning.



9. Serve Warm with Marinara: While the cheese is melting, make sure your favorite marinara sauce is warmed and ready for dipping. Once the skewers are out of the oven and the cheese is beautifully melted, serve them immediately alongside the warm marinara. For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions.

Variations and Customizations for Your Meatball Skewers

One of the many charms of this Meatball Sub on a Stick recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize these appetizers to perfectly match your taste preferences or cater to diverse dietary needs:

• Explore Different Cheeses: While mozzarella offers that classic, stringy melt, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheese varieties. A sprinkle of provolone, a robust Italian cheese blend, or even a smoked gouda could add an exciting new dimension of flavor to your skewers.
• Bring the Heat: For those who appreciate a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning before the final bake. Serving them with a zesty arrabbiata sauce instead of classic marinara would further amplify the heat.
• Herbaceous Touches: Before wrapping the dough around the meatballs, you can lightly brush the inside of the dough strips with garlic butter or sprinkle them with additional dried herbs like oregano or basil. Freshly chopped parsley or chives, mixed directly into the breadstick dough, can also introduce a lovely fresh aroma and flavor.
• Go Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian-friendly by opting for your favorite brand of plant-based meatballs. Ensure the chosen variety is suitable for baking and firm enough to be threaded onto skewers without crumbling.
• Diverse Dipping Sauces: While classic marinara is the traditional choice, broaden your horizons with alternative dipping sauces. A creamy garlic aioli, a vibrant pesto sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce could offer a delightful contrast and new flavor profile.
• Miniature Versions: For an even more bite-sized and delicate appetizer, consider using mini meatballs and cutting your breadstick dough into smaller, thinner strips. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly downwards to prevent overcooking these smaller portions.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning a large gathering or simply looking to save some time? These Meatball Subs on a Stick can be partially prepared in advance, and leftovers are easy to store and reheat, ensuring you can enjoy them again and again:

• Make-Ahead Preparation: You can assemble the meatball skewers completely (following steps 1 through 5) a few hours before you plan to bake them. Arrange the uncooked skewers on your parchment-lined baking sheets, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and add an extra 3-5 minutes to the initial baking time to account for their chilled temperature.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Meatball Subs on a Stick can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
• Reheating Instructions: For the best quality and texture, we recommend reheating your leftover skewers in a preheated oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is delightfully bubbly again. While a microwave can be used in a pinch, it tends to make the bread dough chewy and less appealing.

Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of our Meatball Sub on a Stick, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our crowd-pleasing recipes! We specialize in transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals and appetizers that are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Explore these related dishes for your next culinary adventure, whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion:

• Meatball Sub Casserole
• Homemade Garlic Breadsticks
• Meatball Sub Cups
• Texas Toast Meatball Subs
• Pizza Roll Breadsticks
• Italian Sub Skewers
• Crock Pot Honey Garlic Meatballs
• Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
• Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Meatball Sub on a Stick Recipe Card

Meatball Sub on a Stick

Easy Meatball Sub on a Stick takes frozen meatballs to a whole new taste level! This perfect appetizer is loved by everyone – so delicious and incredibly simple to make.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3 Reviews)

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

34 minutes

Total Time:

49 minutes

Servings:

12 skewers

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 tube breadstick dough (such as Pillsbury)
• 1 bag frozen meatballs (pre-cooked, slightly thawed for easy skewering)
• 12 bamboo skewers
• 1-2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed up, for serving)
• Fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions (for optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Allow frozen meatballs to thaw slightly so skewers can be easily threaded through.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Unroll breadstick dough and separate into 12 individual breadsticks.
4. Thread one end of a breadstick onto a bamboo skewer, then add one meatball, wrapping the dough around it.
5. Repeat threading with breadstick dough and 2 additional meatballs, so each skewer has 3 meatballs wrapped in dough.
6. Place assembled skewers about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through and breadsticks are golden brown. Rotate trays halfway through for even cooking.
8. Remove from oven. Sprinkle each meatball generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and then lightly with Italian seasoning.
9. Return to oven for 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
10. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

• Customize with your preferred meatball flavor: original, turkey, Italian, or plant-based.
• Crescent roll dough or pizza dough can be used as alternatives; cut pizza dough into 12 strips.
• Each skewer holds 3 meatballs, so a full recipe requires approximately 36 meatballs. Adjust quantity based on meatball size and skewer length.
• To quickly thaw meatballs, microwave for a few seconds until pliable, but do not cook through.

Course:

Appetizer

Cuisine:

American

Nutrition

The following nutritional information is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

• Calories: 293 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 455mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutritional Disclaimer

While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional data shared is an estimate based on common ingredient values and can vary significantly depending on product brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. We recommend using your preferred online nutritional calculator for precise values if dietary requirements are critical.

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