Meatball Boats

ent paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef, or 165°F or 74°C for turkey).

Step 2: Prepare the Boats

1. While the meatballs are baking, cut your sandwich rolls or baguette into halves or thirds, depending on the size of your bread and how many boats you want to make. Hollow out the middle of each piece of bread, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. You can use your hands or a spoon to carefully remove the soft center.
2. Toast the bread lightly by placing the hollowed-out rolls on a baking sheet and toasting them for 5 minutes in the oven, or until lightly golden. This step helps the bread hold up better when filled with the meatballs and sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Boats

1. Once the meatballs are cooked and the bread is toasted, spoon some marinara sauce into the bottom of each hollowed-out bread boat.
2. Add the meatballs to the boats, arranging them in a single layer.
3. Top with more marinara sauce and then generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball boat.
4. Return the boats to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the cheese to be golden and slightly crispy, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. After baking, remove the Meatball Boats from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations to Try

While the basic Meatball Boats are delicious as they are, there are plenty of ways to customize them based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

1. Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the meatball mixture or use them as a topping for extra flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Meatball Boats: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for some heat. You can also add jalapeños or other spicy peppers to the filling.
3. Cheese Variety: Try using different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda to change the flavor profile. For a creamy twist, add a little cream cheese or ricotta to the sauce before topping with mozzarella.
4. Herb-Infused Bread: Before toasting the bread, brush the inside with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: When baking the meatballs, be sure they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet. This allows them to cook evenly and brown nicely.
• Use Homemade Marinara Sauce: If you have time, make your own marinara sauce to control the ingredients and flavor. It’s super simple to make with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs!
• Use a Sturdy Bread: Choose a bread that will hold up to the fillings and not get soggy quickly. Sturdy sub rolls or baguettes are ideal.

Conclusion

Meatball Boats are a fun and tasty dish that combines everything we love—meatballs, cheese, and marinara sauce—all served in a delicious, hearty bread boat. This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, so you can make it as simple or as gourmet as you like.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, Meatball Boats are sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love!