By Chef Clara
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins—soft, savory muffins with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a buttery garlic crust. A comforting, bite-sized delight.
What makes this version different
- Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Cheesy & Garlicky – Irresistible flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, snacks, or dinner.
- Bite-Sized & Fun – A unique twist on meatball subs.
- Customizable – Use different cheeses or sauces to switch things up.
The ingredient lineup
- 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Separate the biscuit or pizza dough into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and press into the muffin cups, forming small wells.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the inside of each dough cup with the mixture.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each cup, then place a cooked meatball on top. Add another spoonful of sauce over each meatball.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tops.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Time and servings
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per muffin
Variations I love
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce.
- Different Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique taste.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb dough or cheese cups instead of biscuits.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or oregano for more Italian flavor.
- Mini Version: Use mini meatballs for bite-sized party snacks.
What to do with leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
How long does Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. These muffins also freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that you can substitute melted olive oil for the butter to add a different savory note, though the flavor will be less rich. Garlic-infused oil would enhance the garlic profile. For a dairy-free option, a plant-based butter alternative works well, maintaining a similar texture.
What internal temperature should chicken reach?
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F measured with a meat thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines. Always allow cooked meat to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven; this helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
What goes well with Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins?
In my experience, these savory muffins pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A simple tomato soup or a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus would also complement the rich flavors. They’re hearty enough to be a main course with a light side.
Is Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins gluten-free?
This recipe, as written, contains gluten primarily from the refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough. To make it gluten-free, you could substitute a certified gluten-free biscuit dough or use the low-carb dough or cheese cups suggested in the recipe’s variations for a suitable alternative.
Before you go
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins are a delicious, cheesy, and fun way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a bite-sized form. Perfect for snacks, parties, or dinner, these muffins are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy them fresh, store for later, and savor the crispy, garlicky goodness!
Try these next
- Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Tortilla Bread: You NEED this air fryer cheesy garlic tortilla bread!
- Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread — So Juicy!: My Mississippi Sloppy Joes on garlic bread are a weeknight lifesaver!
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups: My go-to cheesy garlic pull-apart muffin cups are perfect for any meal!
- Cheesesteak Garlic Parmesan Bread: Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is my go-to for busy nights!
- Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread: This crispy chicken Alfredo garlic bread is pure comfort!
More to Try
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups — My go-to cheesy garlic pull-apart muffin cups are perfect for any meal! Ready in under an hour, they're soft, buttery, and packed with flavor.
- Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This Honey Butter Pecan Bread recipe is my go-to for a quick, moist, and nutty treat. It's super easy to whip up in about an hour.
- Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This easy pecan bread recipe is my absolute favorite! It's super moist, packed with nutty flavor, and ready in under an hour. You'll love.
- Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Slice and Bake — Raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are my go-to for a buttery, crisp treat. They're slice-and-bake easy, ready in under 30 mins, and look.
- Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread – Easy Artisan Loaf — My blueberry lemon sourdough bread is seriously easy to make, even for beginners! Get a crackly crust, tender crumb, and sweet jammy berries.
- Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef — This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is my go-to weeknight dinner! It's so easy, ready in 30 mins, and tastes like pure comfort.
More to Try
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups — My Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups are seriously addictive! They're super easy to make and perfect for parties or a quick weeknight side.
- Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This Honey Butter Pecan Bread recipe is my go-to for a quick, moist, and nutty treat. It's super easy to whip up in about an hour.
- Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This easy pecan bread recipe is my absolute favorite! It's super moist, packed with nutty flavor, and ready in under an hour. You'll love.
- Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Slice and Bake — My go-to raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are super easy to slice and bake! Get crisp, buttery cookies with a tangy jam swirl in under 30.
- Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf – Herby Garlic Stovetop Rice — My go-to Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf is ready in 30 minutes! It's bright, savory, and so easy. Friends always ask for this recipe – you'll love.
- Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef — Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is my go-to for busy nights! This easy 30-minute pasta is packed with garlic butter flavor and melty cheese.
More to Try
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups — My Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups are seriously addictive! They're super easy to make and perfect for parties or a quick weeknight side.
- Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This Honey Butter Pecan Bread recipe is my go-to for a quick, moist, and nutty treat. It's super easy to whip up in about an hour.
- Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This easy pecan bread recipe is my absolute favorite! It's super moist, packed with nutty flavor, and ready in under an hour. You'll love.
- Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Slice and Bake — My go-to raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are super easy to slice and bake! Get crisp, buttery cookies with a tangy jam swirl in under 30.
- Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf – Herby Garlic Stovetop Rice — My go-to Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf is ready in 30 minutes! It's bright, savory, and so easy. Friends always ask for this recipe – you'll love.
- Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef — Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is my go-to for busy nights! This easy 30-minute pasta is packed with garlic butter flavor and melty cheese.
More to Try
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups — My go-to cheesy garlic pull-apart muffin cups are ridiculously easy to make and bake up golden in just 15 minutes. Perfect for parties.
- Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This Honey Butter Pecan Bread recipe is my go-to for a quick, moist, and nutty treat. It's super easy to whip up in about an hour.
- Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — This easy pecan bread recipe is my absolute favorite! It's super moist, packed with nutty flavor, and ready in under an hour. You'll love.
- Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Slice and Bake — My go-to raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are super easy to slice and bake! Get crisp, buttery cookies with a tangy jam swirl in under 30.
- Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf – Herby Garlic Stovetop Rice — My go-to Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf is ready in 30 minutes! It's bright, savory, and so easy. Friends always ask for this recipe – you'll love.
- Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef — This cheesy penne ground beef recipe is a family favorite! Made with savory garlic butter ground beef and gooey cheese, it's ready in 30 minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins
- Total Time: PT28M
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins—soft, savory muffins with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a buttery garlic crust. A comforting, bite-sized delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Flatten each biscuit or pizza dough piece and press into the muffin cups to form small wells.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the inside of each dough cup with the mixture.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into each cup, then place a cooked meatball on top. Add another spoonful of sauce over each meatball.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tops.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT18M
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American