Heavenly Italian Meatball Subs
Elevate your lunchtime experience with these Heavenly Italian Meatball Subs, where every bite transports you to a cozy trattoria in Italy. The homemade cream cheese spread, combined with hearty Italian meatballs and gooey mozzarella, creates an unforgettable flavor profile that can be easily tailored to your preferences. Perfect for parties or a comforting meal at home, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser that guarantees no two servings will ever taste the same. Pair with a side salad or crispy fries for a wholesome feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen meatballs, Italian style
2 (1 lb) packages (Keep frozen until ready to use.)
Bakery Italian bread
2 loaves (Cut horizontally and into sections.)
Spaghetti sauce
1 (28 ounce) jar (Add to the pot with meatballs.)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Soften before mixing.)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed.)
Garlic powder
1 dash (No preparation needed.)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the frozen Italian meatballs and spaghetti sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2
While the meatballs are warming, prepare the spread by mixing the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
3
Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice each Italian bread loaf horizontally, then cut each loaf into three- or four-inch sections, making small sandwich sections.
4
Generously spread the cream cheese mixture on the cut sides of each sandwich section's tops and bottoms, ensuring an even layer for maximum flavor.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Once the meatballs are heated, use a spoon to scoop generous portions onto the bottoms of each bread section. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
Place the sandwich tops back on and arrange the sandwiches on a foil-lined baking sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey sandwich experience.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, then serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Italian Meatball Subs?
They are hearty sandwiches made with Italian-style meatballs, a special cream cheese spread, and melted mozzarella on Italian bread.
How many packages of meatballs are required?
You will need two 1-pound packages of frozen Italian-style meatballs.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Bakery Italian bread is recommended, cut horizontally and then into sections.
How do I heat the meatballs?
Combine the frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce in a large pot and heat over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese spread?
The spread consists of softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder.
At what temperature should I bake the subs?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the sandwiches need to bake?
Bake the subs for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use different cheese besides mozzarella?
Yes, while mozzarella is recommended for its meltability, you could use provolone or an Italian cheese blend.
How should the bread be sliced?
Slice the loaves horizontally, then cut into three- or four-inch sections to create individual sandwich portions.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the mayonnaise and spices until smooth.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce is needed?
One 28-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce is required.
How much mayonnaise is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of mayonnaise for the cream cheese mixture.
What spices are in the cream cheese mixture?
It includes one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with foil helps with cleanup and prevents the sandwiches from sticking.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I serve these at a party?
Absolutely, these meatball subs are excellent finger food and a crowd-pleaser for parties.
What are some suggested side dishes?
These sandwiches pair well with a fresh side salad or crispy french fries for a complete meal.
How do I know when the sandwiches are done?
They are ready when the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is warmed through.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, though you may need to adjust the initial simmering time in the sauce.
How many loaves of Italian bread are used?
The recipe uses two loaves of bakery Italian bread.
Is the recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe because it utilizes convenient ingredients like frozen meatballs and jarred sauce.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Yes, the flavor profile can be easily tailored by adjusting the Italian seasoning or garlic powder to your preference.
What is the primary cuisine style for this dish?
These sandwiches are inspired by Italian cuisine.
How much Italian seasoning is needed?
One tablespoon of Italian seasoning is used to flavor the cream cheese spread.
Can I make the sandwiches smaller for appetizers?
Yes, you can cut the bread into smaller two-inch sections to serve them as bite-sized appetizers.
Is black pepper included in the spread?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in the cream cheese mixture.
Do I put spread on both sides of the bread?
Yes, generously spread the cream cheese mixture on both the tops and bottoms of the bread sections.
How long should the subs cool before serving?
It is recommended to let them cool for about a minute after removing them from the oven.
Can I add extra garlic to the recipe?
While the recipe calls for a dash of garlic powder, you can certainly add more to suit your personal taste.
What makes these meatball subs unique?
The combination of a tangy cream cheese spread and gooey mozzarella elevates them above standard meatball subs.