Meatball Sub Bites

Meatball Sub Bites are the snack-sized heroes of any party! Picture all the goodness of a meatball sub—juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and buttery, flaky dough—but in one perfect, poppable bite. They’re quick to make, irresistibly tasty, and will have everyone reaching for more.

Ingredients

1. 1 8-ounce package crescent roll dough: This creates the soft, flaky shell to hold all the magic together.
2. 16 frozen meatballs: They’re the star of the show, bringing savory, meaty goodness to every bite.
3. 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Adds that classic tangy flavor and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
4. 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy stretch we all love.
5. 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed on top to create a golden, buttery finish.
6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a touch of savory garlic flavor to the dough.
7. 1/2 teaspoon parsley: For a pop of color and a hint of herby freshness.
8. 1/2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: A cheesy, salty sprinkle to make the bites extra delicious.

Why These Ingredients Work

The crescent roll dough is soft, buttery, and easy to work with, creating the perfect golden crust. Frozen meatballs save you time while still packing in flavor, and marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich, tomato goodness. Mozzarella cheese melts into a stretchy, irresistible layer, while the garlic butter and parmesan topping give these bites a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Make Meatball Sub Bites

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Cut each triangle in half to form two smaller triangles. Cut each slice of mozzarella cheese into four strips and place one strip on each piece of dough.

Top the cheese with a frozen meatball and brush it with marinara sauce. Roll the dough around the meatball, sealing the edges, and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle on garlic powder, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and delicious. Serve warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

I first made these for the big game last year, and let me tell you, they were an instant touchdown! I had a house full of friends yelling at the TV and hovering around the snack table. As soon as I pulled these out of the oven, they disappeared faster than a Hail Mary pass. One friend even ditched his plate and started eating them straight from the tray. Now, they’re my go-to for any game day, because no matter who’s playing, these bites always win.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before wrapping them in the dough.
Can I prep these ahead of time? Definitely. Assemble the bites and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Puff pastry or biscuit dough will work as a substitute—just adjust the baking time as needed.

Fun Places to Serve Meatball Sub Bites

These are perfect for game day, birthday parties, potlucks, or even as a fun appetizer at a casual dinner party. They also make a great snack for movie night or a cozy family get-together. Basically, anywhere you have hungry people, these bites belong!

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (not likely, but hey, it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F to keep the dough crispy, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Kids will love helping with this recipe! Let them cut the dough, layer the cheese, and wrap the meatballs. They’ll feel like little chefs, and since the steps are simple, it’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen. Just make sure an adult handles the oven and melted butter.

Why This Recipe Works

Meatball Sub Bites are a genius combo of comfort food and convenience. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfectly portioned for sharing. Plus, the mix of textures—flaky dough, juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara—makes every bite downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner!

Here are some more fun appetizer bites to try!