Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a perfect meal that combines comfort and convenience. These delicious sandwiches feature soft, warm hoagie rolls packed with savory meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and gooey, melted cheese—all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick and satisfying dinner for your family, this recipe will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen—just assemble the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a hearty meal in under 30 minutes.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a weekend party, these sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser.
Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe according to your taste. Swap ingredients, add your favorite toppings, or make it spicier—this dish can easily be tailored to your preferences.
Cheesy and Crispy: The magic of baking brings together the crispy crust of the bread and the melty, comforting cheese, making each bite an experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hoagie rolls or sub sandwich bread
- Pre-cooked or homemade meatballs
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the sandwiches.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Create a pocket in the bread to hold the fillings.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Start by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce inside each hoagie roll. Next, add 3-4 meatballs per sandwich, and top them off with more marinara sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, and for added flavor, you can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese.
- Brush the Rolls: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush the mixture over the top of each sandwich roll to add a flavorful, golden crust.
- Bake: Arrange the sandwiches in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the bread turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sandwiches are baked, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve while hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage in place of regular meatballs.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix up the cheeses by adding provolone or cheddar to complement the mozzarella for a richer, cheesier bite.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Extra Crunch: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor of the sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Wrap any leftover sandwiches in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4-6 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich bread hoagie rolls
- 12 meatballs pre-cooked or homemade meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through to create a pocket for the meatballs.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce inside each hoagie roll. Add 3-4 meatballs to each roll, followed by more marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs. If using, add Parmesan cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the top of each sandwich roll.
- Arrange the sandwiches in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve while hot.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly fine. Just heat them according to the package instructions before assembling the sandwiches.
What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or ciabatta work best because they are sturdy and can hold up to the meatballs and sauce without getting soggy.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Bake them right before serving for a warm, fresh sandwich.
What type of cheese melts best?
Mozzarella cheese is known for its perfect melt, but you can mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
Can I make homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will elevate the flavor of the sandwiches and add a fresh touch to the meal.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the bread before adding the fillings, and don’t overload it with sauce. This will help the bread stay crispy even after baking.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
It’s best to freeze the meatballs separately and assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to bake them. Freezing the whole sandwich may make the bread soggy.
What side dishes pair well with these sandwiches?
Consider serving them with garlic bread, a light salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potato wedges for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, if you want to try something different, you can use Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce to give your sandwiches a new flavor profile.
How do I serve these sandwiches for a crowd?
For a larger group, arrange the sandwiches in a baking dish and let guests serve themselves. This way, everyone can enjoy a hot, cheesy sandwich without much fuss.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a fantastic, simple dish that brings together everything you love about comfort food. With juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a crunchy, golden bun, this recipe is a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different variations, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are an easy, satisfying dinner that offers convenience without compromising on flavor. With their rich marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and gooey cheese, they’re a perfect alternative to takeout and are sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Try it out tonight, and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors of this crowd-pleasing meal!
