Meatball Sub Cupcakes

These Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a fun and inventive twist on the classic meatball sub. With savory meatballs nestled inside a soft, garlic-parmesan bread “cupcake” and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese,

Ingredients:

For the Bread Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Bread Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
   • In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, egg, and parsley. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare Meatballs:
   • In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Form mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Assemble Cupcakes:
   • Spoon a small amount of bread batter into the bottom of each muffin cup.
   • Place one meatball on top of the batter in each cup.
   • Spoon more batter over the meatball, making sure it’s fully covered.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
   • Remove the cupcakes from the oven. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce on top of each cupcake and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

These Meatball Sub Cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the delicious blend of meat, cheese, and marinara in every bite!