Name: Meatball Subs on a Stick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487852H3M45S
Total time: PT-487852H3M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread (cut into 1-inch cubes); 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into cubes or use string cheese); 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping); Wooden skewers (about 6-8)

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I love making these Meatball Subs on a Stick because they’re a creative and fun twist on a classic favorite. All the delicious flavors of a meatball sub are turned into a bite-sized snack that’s easy to eat, perfect for parties, game days, or a casual dinner. With juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and a tangy marinara sauce, these skewers are sure to be a hit!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about these Meatball Subs on a Stick is how portable and fun they are! They’re just like traditional meatball subs, but without the mess. The juicy meatballs are paired with crusty bread, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce, making every bite a perfect blend of savory and cheesy. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For assembling the subs on a stick:
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into cubes or use string cheese)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Wooden skewers (about 6-8)

Directions

Make the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, milk, and parsley. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Assemble the subs on a stick:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, begin assembling the skewers. Thread one piece of bread onto the skewer, followed by a meatball, a piece of mozzarella cheese, and another piece of bread. Continue this pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at the top for easier handling.
- Repeat with the remaining skewers.
Finish and serve:
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or cooking spray.
- Place the skewers in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, rotating them to get a nice golden color on the bread and melt the cheese.
- Remove from the pan and serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 meatball subs on a stick, depending on how many skewers you make. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time for the meatballs is 15-20 minutes, with another 5-10 minutes for assembly and grilling.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Using different types of cheese, like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Adding sautéed bell peppers or onions to the skewers for extra flavor.
Using homemade or store-bought garlic butter to brush on the bread before grilling for a flavorful finish.
Mixing in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Storage / Reheating

You can store leftover meatball subs on a stick in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Meatball Subs on a Stick

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes! You can absolutely use frozen meatballs. Just make sure to bake them according to the package instructions before threading them onto the skewers.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use different bread for the skewers?
Absolutely! You can use slider buns, small rolls, or even pita bread—anything that holds up well on a skewer.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! You can use plant-based meatballs or even veggie patties for a meat-free version.

Conclusion

These Meatball Subs on a Stick are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic meatball sub in a new, bite-sized form. With juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and crispy bread, they’re perfect for any gathering or just a fun family dinner. They’re easy to make, super customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit!