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Several oven-baked meatball sandwiches lined up on a rustic wooden board, showing the perfectly melted provolone and mozzarella cheese.

Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches (The Ultimate Cheesy Recipe)

The ultimate Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches! This recipe features perfectly toasted garlic bread buns, savory meatballs, rich marinara, and a gloriously melted blend of provolone and mozzarella. The perfect easy dinner or game-day meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwiches
  • 6 hoagie rolls or other sturdy sub rolls
  • 24 cooked Italian-style meatballs frozen or homemade
  • 24 oz marinara sauce your favorite brand
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Pastry Brush

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally, keeping one side intact. Arrange them on a large baking sheet.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Brush the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the rolls. Bake for 4-5 minutes until lightly toasted.
  3. While the buns toast, add the marinara sauce and cooked meatballs to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are warmed through.
  4. Remove the toasted buns from the oven. Carefully place 4 meatballs into each roll and top with a bit of sauce from the pan.
  5. Place one slice of provolone cheese over the meatballs in each sandwich. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toasting is Key: Don't skip toasting the buns with garlic butter! It adds flavor and is the best way to prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to use all mozzarella or all provolone if you prefer. A sprinkle of asiago cheese also adds a nice sharp flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatball and sauce mixture ahead of time. When ready to eat, just toast the buns, assemble, and bake.
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