Name: Meatball Mozzarella Garlic Bread Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 soft white sandwich bread slices, the foundation for your crispy cups; 12 fully cooked beef meatballs (360 g), use store-bought for convenience or homemade if preferred; 180 g thick marinara sauce, or your favorite red sauce; 180 g shredded mozzarella cheese, for that melty, gooey filling; 30 g grated Parmesan cheese, adds a sharp, savory note; 40 g melted butter, for brushing and crisping the bread; 2 garlic cloves, minced, freshly minced works best; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish and freshness

Description

These Meatball Mozzarella Garlic Bread Cups feature crispy garlic-buttered bread vessels filled with tender beef meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for entertaining, these impressive appetizers come together quickly using simple ingredients and deliver maximum flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 soft white sandwich bread slices, the foundation for your crispy cups
12 fully cooked beef meatballs (360 g), use store-bought for convenience or homemade if preferred
180 g thick marinara sauce, or your favorite red sauce
180 g shredded mozzarella cheese, for that melty, gooey filling
30 g grated Parmesan cheese, adds a sharp, savory note
40 g melted butter, for brushing and crisping the bread
2 garlic cloves, minced, freshly minced works best
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish and freshness

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread Cups
1. Flatten the Bread: Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each bread slice until it's thin and pliable, taking care not to tear it.
2. Create the Cups: Press each flattened slice into a muffin tin cup, allowing the bread to line the bottom and sides.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic and mix until well blended.
4. Brush and Bake: Using a pastry brush, coat the inside of each bread cup with the garlic butter mixture. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the bread is light golden and crispy.
Fill and Bake
1. Add the Sauce: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce into the bottom of each warm bread cup.
2. Top with Meatball: Place one fully cooked meatball into the center of each cup, pressing it gently into the sauce.
3. Add Cheese: Top each meatball with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 15 g per cup), followed by a small sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
4. Final Bake: Return the filled cups to the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes