Go Back
+ servings
Meatball Stuffed Garlic Bread

Savory Meatball Stuffed Garlic Bread for Cozy Nights

Delight in this Meatball Stuffed Garlic Bread, a comforting appetizer perfect for family dinners and game day festivities.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs Substitute with plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Milk Any milk or non-dairy milk can be used
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil Use canola or avocado oil as alternatives
  • 1 small White onion (finely diced) Can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor
  • 8 oz Ground beef Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
  • 8 oz Ground pork Can substitute entirely with ground beef or meatloaf mix
  • 1 large Egg Use flax or chia seed egg substitute for vegan option
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Italian parsley (minced) Substitute with dried Italian herbs (use less)
  • 1 tsp Garlic (minced) Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Basic seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Basic seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano Italian seasoning can replace
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes Omit for no spice
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated) Substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan choice
For the Garlic Bread
  • 16 oz Pizza dough Use store-bought or homemade
  • 6 slices Mozzarella cheese Use dairy-free cheese for vegan option
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil Can switch to melted butter or non-dairy spread
  • 2 tsp Garlic (for brushing) Enhances the garlic flavor in the bread
  • 1 tsp Italian seasonings A blend of herbs can substitute
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt Enhances overall flavors
For Serving
  • Optional Marinara sauce For serving or dipping; can use any preferred sauce
  • Optional shredded mozzarella Use vegan cheese if preferred

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Muffin Tin
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, soak the Italian-seasoned bread crumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté finely diced onions until they're soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sautéed onions to the soaked bread crumbs along with the ground beef, ground pork, egg, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-27 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned.
  3. While the meatballs are baking, divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. In the center of each dough circle, place a slice of mozzarella cheese followed by one cooked meatball. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching the seams to seal tightly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt for the topping. Brush this mixture over each wrapped meatball. Place the stuffed and brushed dough in a muffin tin. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffy.
  5. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, alongside marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Perfect meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. Ensure meatballs are drained properly before wrapping to avoid soggy dough. Pinch seams tightly to prevent leaking and enjoy various cheese combinations for enhanced flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!