Description
These Meatball Monster Sandwiches are a fun and spooky twist on classic meatball subs, perfect for Halloween parties or kid-friendly dinners. Juicy meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and decorated with olive ‘monster eyes’ for a playful presentation that kids will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 12 cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
Sandwich Components
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Optional: garlic powder and Italian seasoning
Monster Eyes
- 8 large pimento-stuffed green olives
- 4 wooden skewers or toothpicks (halved)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the rolls and baking the assembled sandwiches.
- Heat Meatballs: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 8–10 minutes.
- Toast Rolls: Split the hoagie or sub rolls horizontally and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the insides with melted butter and optionally sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Remove the toasted rolls from the oven and evenly divide the saucy meatballs among them, placing 3 meatballs per sandwich. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Sandwiches: Return the sandwiches to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Create Monster Eyes: While sandwiches bake, thread two pimento-stuffed olives onto each wooden skewer or toothpick half to create “monster eyes.”
- Decorate and Serve: Once the sandwiches are done, remove from the oven and insert the olive skewers into the tops of the rolls to form the monster eyes. Serve immediately for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Allow kids to personalize their monster sandwiches by adding sliced veggies or edible eyes for extra fun.
- This recipe is great for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or anytime you want a playful meal.
- Using plant-based meatballs makes the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- If you prefer a richer taste, brush rolls with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter.
