A crispy, cheesy, and garlicky twist on classic meatball subs, these garlic bread meatball muffins are packed with flavor and perfect for appetizers, snacks, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Cheesy & Garlicky – Irresistible flavors in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, snacks, or dinner.
Bite-Sized & Fun – A unique twist on meatball subs.
Customizable – Use different cheeses or sauces to switch things up.

Ingredients

1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Separate the biscuit or pizza dough into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and press into the muffin cups, forming small wells.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the inside of each dough cup with the mixture.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each cup, then place a cooked meatball on top. Add another spoonful of sauce over each meatball.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tops.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per muffin

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce.
Different Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique taste.
Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb dough or cheese cups instead of biscuits.
Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or oregano for more Italian flavor.
Mini Version: Use mini meatballs for bite-sized party snacks.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes! Just make sure they are fully cooked before using them in the recipe.

What other sauces can I use?

Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even barbecue sauce can be great alternatives.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits?

Yes! Crescent roll dough works well, but it will have a softer texture.

How do I keep the muffins from getting soggy?

Brush the inside of the dough cups with butter and bake for a couple of minutes before adding the fillings.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Prepare the muffins and refrigerate them before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat these?

Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to these?

Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce.

What’s the best cheese for extra flavor?

Smoked provolone or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella gives great depth.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit dough or an alternative low-carb dough option.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins are a delicious, cheesy, and fun way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a bite-sized form. Perfect for snacks, parties, or dinner, these muffins are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy them fresh, store for later, and savor the crispy, garlicky goodness!

Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A crispy, cheesy, garlicky twist on meatball subs, these garlic bread meatball muffins are flavorful and perfect for appetizers or dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Flatten each biscuit or pizza dough piece and press into the muffin cups to form small wells.
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the inside of each dough cup with the mixture.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each cup, then place a cooked meatball on top. Add another spoonful of sauce over each meatball.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tops.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American