These Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Subs take the classic sub to the next level—crusty rolls brushed with garlic butter, packed with juicy meatballs, smothered in savory marinara sauce, and topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella cheese. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or a satisfying party platter, these subs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything comfort food should be—warm, gooey, hearty, and full of flavor. The garlic butter-soaked rolls provide a rich, aromatic base, while the marinara and melty cheese elevate the savory meatballs to irresistible heights. It’s also incredibly versatile and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian-style meatballs (homemade or frozen, cooked)
sub rolls or hoagie buns
marinara sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
unsalted butter, melted
garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the subs side-by-side.
Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Prepare the rolls: Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Brush the inside generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Assemble the subs: Place 4 meatballs into each roll. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs to coat.
Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella over each sub and top with Parmesan if desired.
Bake: Arrange the filled subs in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the rolls are crisp.
Serve: Serve hot, paired with a side of chips, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 large subs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Calories: 470 kcal per sub

Variations

Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or use spicy Italian meatballs.
Cheese blend: Use a mix of provolone, mozzarella, and fontina for extra cheesy flavor.
Mini subs: Use smaller rolls to create slider-sized versions for parties or appetizers.
Vegetarian version: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or grilled mushrooms.
Extra saucy: Double the marinara for a saucier sub experience.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and cheese is remelted. You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the bread may soften.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just make sure they are fully cooked and heated through before assembling the subs.

What’s the best bread to use for meatball subs?

Sturdy sub rolls or hoagie buns work best to hold the meatballs and absorb the sauce without falling apart.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the subs ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for best results.

How can I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the insides of the rolls before assembling can help maintain a crisp texture.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely—homemade meatballs bring even more flavor and customization to the dish.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend labeled for Italian dishes all melt beautifully and add variety.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap each sub in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rolls and meatballs to adapt this recipe to gluten-free needs.

What sides go well with these subs?

They pair wonderfully with potato chips, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking if the cheese is browning too quickly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Subs are the ultimate fusion of indulgent flavors and cozy textures. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or making a quick family dinner, these subs deliver bold Italian-inspired taste wrapped in buttery, garlicky bread. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and certain to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Subs

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Crusty garlic bread rolls stuffed with tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and bubbling melted mozzarella—these homemade meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food and party favorite.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 3 large subs 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 Italian-style meatballs (homemade or frozen, cooked)
3 sub rolls or hoagie buns
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Brush the insides with garlic butter.
Place 4 meatballs inside each roll and spoon marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and a pinch of Parmesan, if using.
Arrange subs in the baking dish and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of the bread are crisp.
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like chips, salad, or roasted veggies.