Italian Meatball Buns: A Delicious, Savory Snack

Italian Meatball Buns are the perfect combination of crispy bread, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, making them an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or something to satisfy your comfort food cravings, these buns deliver on flavor and ease. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful, cheesy, and flavorful bite that will leave everyone asking for more.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making Italian Meatball Buns. You’ll also find ideas for variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions so that you can enjoy these buns at their best.

For more easy dinner ideas, check out these simple Italian meals or explore our comfort food recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

These Italian Meatball Buns come together quickly, thanks to the use of frozen dinner rolls and pre-cooked meatballs. Perfect for busy days, they’re both flavorful and filling!

Italian Meatball Buns Recipe: Savory, Cheesy, and Delicious

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including bread rising time)
• Yield: 12 buns 1x

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Description

These Italian Meatball Buns are the perfect handheld meal, combining deliciously juicy Italian meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft, fluffy bread rolls. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party snack, they’re easy to prepare and full of authentic Italian flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls
• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 1–1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen bread dough dinner rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rise according to the package instructions until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size (this typically takes about 1 hour).
2. Cook the meatballs: While the rolls are rising, heat the thawed meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through.
3. Assemble the buns: Once the dough rolls have risen, use a sharp knife to make a deep slit in the center of each roll (without cutting all the way through). This will create a pocket for the meatballs and sauce.
4. Stuff the buns: Take one meatball and carefully place it inside each bread roll. Spoon some warm marinara sauce over the meatball and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the buns: Place the stuffed buns back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the buns are done baking, sprinkle the minced fresh basil over the top of each bun. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe.
• If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top before baking, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
• These meatball buns can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain the bread’s softness and crunch.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding rising time for bread)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Appetizer
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Italian Meatball Buns Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dinner Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen dinner rolls on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Let the rolls rise according to package instructions, usually for 30-45 minutes. This will give them time to expand and become soft and pillowy.
2. Cook the Meatballs: While the rolls are rising, heat the thawed meatballs in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that the meatballs heat evenly. Once heated through, set aside.
3. Prepare the Buns: After the dinner rolls have risen, use a sharp knife to carefully cut a slit in the top of each roll, creating a pocket for the meatballs and marinara sauce.
4. Assemble the Buns: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil to give them a golden color and added flavor when baked. Add 1-2 meatballs to each roll, spooning a little marinara sauce over them.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and minced basil over the filled buns. The cheese will melt as the rolls bake, creating a gooey and flavorful topping.
6. Bake and Serve: Place the assembled buns back into the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Advanced Techniques

To elevate your Italian Meatball Buns and give them a more gourmet touch, try these advanced techniques:

Make Your Own Bread Rolls

For an even more authentic taste, you can make your own bread dough from scratch. Use a soft and slightly sweet dough recipe to create buns that are fresh and fluffy. This adds a personal touch and enhances the flavor of the rolls.

Add Extra Veggies

To add more flavor and nutrients, consider sautéing onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add to your buns along with the meatballs. These vegetables will absorb the marinara sauce and give your buns a more complex, savory flavor.

Add a Cheese Layer

For a cheesy, gooey texture, try adding a layer of melted mozzarella cheese underneath the Parmesan before baking. The cheese will create an extra layer of richness that complements the meatballs and sauce perfectly.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Italian Meatball Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them and keep them tasting great:

How to Store Leftovers

Once the buns are assembled, they should be eaten within a day or two for optimal freshness. If you have leftovers, store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Freezing the Buns

If you’d like to make these buns in advance, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before adding the meatballs and toppings. To do this, let the dinner rolls rise, and then fill them with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Freeze them on a baking sheet and once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake the buns from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the meatballs are heated through.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat the leftovers, place the buns on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave the buns, but baking will help retain the crispy texture of the bread.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or want to customize the Italian Meatball Buns, here are some substitution ideas:

Gluten-Free Version

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the frozen dinner rolls with gluten-free rolls or bread. You can find gluten-free options at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.

Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the Italian meatballs with plant-based meatballs or make your own using lentils or mushrooms. The marinara sauce and cheese will still provide that delicious, savory flavor!

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, skip the bread entirely and serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and cheese over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This way, you get all the flavor with fewer carbs.

FAQs About Italian Meatball Buns

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes! Homemade meatballs work perfectly in this recipe. Simply make your favorite Italian-style meatballs, cook them, and use them in place of the frozen ones. You can customize the meatballs with extra seasonings and spices.

2. Can I prepare the buns ahead of time?

You can prepare the buns up to the point of baking. Simply assemble the buns with the meatballs, sauce, and cheese, then cover them and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make these buns with other types of bread?

While dinner rolls are traditional for this recipe, you can also use other types of bread, such as soft sandwich rolls or baguette slices. Just make sure to cut them into small portions for easy serving.

4. Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version. The buns will still be delicious with the flavorful meatballs and marinara sauce. You can also substitute with dairy-free cheese if you prefer.

5. Can I add more sauce to the buns?

Of course! If you love marinara sauce, feel free to add extra sauce inside the buns or drizzle it over the top before serving. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Italian Meatball Buns are a crowd-pleasing, hearty snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and the comforting flavors of marinara sauce wrapped in soft dinner rolls, it’s hard to resist. Whether served as a quick dinner or at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Feel free to experiment with different variations, toppings, or bread types to make these buns your own. These Italian Meatball Buns are a fun, customizable, and delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a new way.