Italian Meatball Sandwich
Maybe the best thing about having leftover Italian Meatballs is the chance to make a sandwich. True COMFORT FOOD is an Italian Meatball Sandwich. What makes a traditional sandwich? A traditional Italian Meatball Sandwich obviously begins with meatballs. But the key is to make it really cheesy and a good amount of marinara sauce.
An Italian Meatball Sandwich is as AMERICAN as it gets. That is kind of funny given its name. But it is true. It is hard to go into any hot dog place, any burger joint or any sub sandwich place and not find this meatball sandwich on the menu. What is the appeal? I believe it begins with the cheese. Great melty, gooey mozzarella cheese topping the sandwich. Then, a tasty tomato sauce adding both flavor and moisture. The ultimate differentiator is the meatball. The meatball has both great flavor and great texture. So if one has to find one word to explain America’s love of the meatball sandwich, it is the texture of the overall sandwich.
The sandwich starts with a great soft hoagie roll baked to add crispness. The meatballs are loaded in and topped with as much marinara sauce as you like. The sandwich is finished by adding a lot of mozzarella cheese slices. The sandwich is placed in the oven and warmed until the cheese has the perfect melt. This sandwich has so much flavor, so many different flavors that blend together so well. I find that this sandwich is very filling but does not feel heavy. I am not sure why but it is a good thing.
The meatball ingredients in the bowl before mixing, and then, rolled and placed on a baking tray.
The meatballs plated after cooking.
The Italian Meatball Sandwich after baking.
The Recipe
Italian Meatball Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 Hoagie Rolls
- 4 Italian Meatballs
- 6 slices of mozzarella
- 1/2 cup of marinara
Instructions
- Heat up the meatballs in your microwave for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Heat the marinara at the same time.
- Slice the rolls and bake for 2 minutes at 325 degrees.
- Place the meatballs on the hoagie rolls.
- Top with the marinara, and then, 3 slices of the mozzarella.
- Put back into the oven and bake for 3 – 4 minutes until the cheese has a good melt.
- Serve and enjoy!
Responses
comments – I answer every one.
This meatball sandwich reminds me of Joe in Friends and his love for meatball sandwiches 😉 Looks incredibly tasty!!
Del, that is so funny!!!
Mama Mia, meatballs in a sandwich, why have I never had this before – genius Peter:-)
It is a very American thing.
Oh man, this is really tempting me right now. My family loves when I make meatballs because they know the subs are coming the following day. I love all that melty cheese you’ve got going on.
We clearly think the same way.
I couldn’t agree more — the best thing about meatballs is having leftovers for sandwiches! My son’s absolute favorite! This recipe looks super delicious!
There are certain recipes that get better the next day and this is one of those recipes.
Love the flavors in the meatballs! What a great idea to do a sandwich instead of the usual pasta. Pinning to try.
Thx for sharing around.
What a great looking sandwich! Can’t wait to make these for my husband and son. I’m sure they’ll devour these in 10 seconds flat!
The boys will like it!
Looks great!
Thx Florian. Need to work up a vegan version.
I’m not sure what you mean by “leftover meatballs” 😛 But the next time we’re thinking Italian I’m voting for this instead of pasta!
I made them the day before for a spaghetti and meatball dinner.
Italian meatball sandwiches and French fries – both delicious American foods! I love meatballs, and using leftovers in a sandwich is such a great idea! Delicious!
Thx Tamara.
Perfect sandwich for me. I am hungry already just by looking:) Pinning!
I am glad I made you hungry!