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If you're on the lookout for a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please a crowd, look no further than Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats. This delightful dish is a fusion of two comfort food favorites: savory meatballs nestled in a crispy garlic bread boat, all topped off with a generous helping of marinara sauce and melted cheese. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even on game day, these mini meatball garlic bread boats are not only delicious but also fun to eat, making them a perfect choice for various occasions.

Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats! This delicious recipe combines savory meatballs nestled in crispy garlic bread, topped with marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or casual gatherings, these boats are both easy to make and fun to eat. Dive into a world of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a versatile dish everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of Italian bread or French baguette

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp garlic powder

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until fully combined. With your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

      Cook the Meatballs: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through, as they will finish baking in the oven. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

        Prepare the Bread Boats: Take the loaf of Italian bread or baguette and cut it in half lengthwise. You may hollow out a little of the soft inside to create a “boat” shaped space for the meatballs.

          Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder. Use a brush to spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring a rich garlic flavor.

            Assemble the Boats: Place the prepared halves of bread on a baking sheet. Generously spread a layer of marinara sauce over each cut side. Next, evenly distribute the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce, followed by a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

              Bake: Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread has a slight golden toast.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Slice into smaller pieces and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4