Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats! This delightful recipe combines crispy garlic bread with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, making it perfect for game nights or family dinners. Easy to prepare, these bite-sized treats cater to various dietary preferences and are sure to impress your guests. Gather around the table and enjoy this fun dish that brings everyone together for a memorable mealtime.

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Ingredients

1 loaf of Italian bread (or any crusty bread of your choice)

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably made from the scooped-out bread)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced (for the meatballs)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 egg

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving on the side)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced (for the garlic spread)

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Optional: Red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

Shape the Mini Meatballs: With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.

Prepare the Garlic Bread Boats: While the meatballs are baking, take the loaf of Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Gently scoop out some of the bread from the center to create a well for the meatballs, being sure to keep the scooped-out bread for use in breadcrumbs or other recipes.

Make the Garlic Butter Spread: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt until creamy and fully combined. Spread this garlic mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring that it reaches the edges for maximum flavor.

Assemble the Bread Boats: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and distribute them evenly into the hollowed-out halves of the bread. Pour marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, then top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even layer.

Bake the Assembled Boats: Place the stuffed bread halves back onto a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Serve and Enjoy: After removing the boats from the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top just before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic bread boats on a wooden cutting board or a large platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch and provide small bowls of marinara for dipping. Enjoy the delicious aroma as you serve this hearty dish!