Mini Meatball Subs

Name: Mini Meatball Subs with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, divided; 12 frozen meatballs; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp creamy garlic sauce, for drizzling

Mini meatball subs are quick slider sandwiches made with Hawaiian rolls, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with a garlic butter glaze and baked until golden.

🌍American 🏷️Meatball sliders 🏷️Meatball sub 🏷️Sliders 🏷️Hawaiian rolls Easy dinner

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight meal

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookinginthemidwest

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Ingredients

1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, divided
12 frozen meatballs
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp creamy garlic sauce, for drizzlingoptional

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Instructions

1
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls connected. Place them in a baking dish.
2
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Brush this mixture over the cut sides of the rolls.
3
Place the rolls in the oven to toast lightly.
4
While the rolls are toasting, heat the frozen meatballs and marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
5
Remove the toasted rolls from the oven. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom half of the rolls.
6
Place one saucy meatball onto each individual roll section.
7
Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, garnish with the remaining fresh parsley, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Melt butter with garlic and brush generously over the roll tops before assembling; this prevents dry bread and adds flavor.
Don't skip the parsley garnish — it brightens the dish and adds a fresh contrast to the rich cheese and sauce.
Underfill the rolls slightly so cheese doesn't overflow and burn on the pan; place on parchment paper to catch drips.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown at the edges for the best texture and flavor.

Substitutions

Hawaiian rolls → brioche slider buns or mini hoagie rolls (adjust baking time slightly)
Mozzarella cheese → provolone or a mozzarella-parmesan blend (for deeper flavor)
Marinara sauce → meat sauce or vodka sauce (adds richness)
Creamy garlic sauce → garlic aioli or Italian dressing (for drizzling)