[Budget-Friendly] Meatballs On A Stick – Delicious Doesn't Have To Be Expensive! - Hina Munawar (2024)

Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? It’s a classic favorite that brings family and friends together, sharing moments of love and satisfaction.

But have you ever thought of giving this traditional dish a unique twist? Enter meatballs on a stick – a super fun and easy way to make meatballs not just an appetizer but a main course too.

This unique appetizer or meal brings a new level of excitement to your dining experience, proving that everyone indeed loves a good culinary adventure.

For those seeking a healthier option, why not substitute ground turkey for beef in your meatballs? This substitute not only offers a lighter fare but also keeps the dish super inviting.

To add more love and twist, cheesy stuffed meatballs become a game-changer. Imagine biting into a meatball and finding it cheesy at the core.

But wait, there’s more! Brush them with garlic butter and slide them onto sticks for added flavor. And then, bake them again for that extra gooeyness that makes every bite a delight.

What makes this dish truly stand out is its versatility as both a fun main dish and an appetizer. Picture this: a cheesy meatball sandwich-on-a-stick, accompanied by plenty of marinara sauce for dunking.

It’s a must-try that I guarantee will have kids of all ages and adults alike having a blast. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, a way to bring love and laughter to the table, proving once again that the simplest ideas often hold the most joy.

In my personal journey of exploring food and flavors, transforming the meatball sub into this playful, stick-bound delight has been a revelation.

It’s about taking something everyone loves and elevating it with a fun, unique spin that also opens the door to healthier options.

The joy of making, serving, and enjoying meatballs on a stick recipe with family and friends is a perfect quick meal solution that brings love and enjoyment to every bite.

This dish is more than just food; it’s a testament to the power of a little creativity in the kitchen.

So next time you’re pondering dinner options, remember that sometimes, all it takes is a simple twist on a classic to create something everyone will love.

Meatball sticks aren’t just a meal; they’re an adventure on a stick, a guarantee of smiles, and a blast of flavors waiting to be discovered.

What Is In Meatball Subs On A Stick?

Transforming the beloved meatball sub into meatballs on a stick involves a creative process that starts with the meatballs themselves.

Whether you opt for a homemade meatball recipe packed with flavor, herbs, and spices or use store-bought or frozen meatballs, the essence of this dish lies in its versatility.

For those who appreciate a touch of homemade charm, mixing breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese into your meatballs adds that extra something special.

Alternatively, store-bought meatballs can be a quick and easy solution, especially when stuffed with cheese.

The stuffing process is straightforward yet transformative. You can check your local deli for premade meatballs or take the DIY route by stuffing each meatball with a cube of cheese.

While mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for its perfectly gooey and melty nature, don’t hesitate to experiment with any cheese you love.

For a bit of spice, consider spicy jalapeno Havarti or pimento cheese for a delightful twist.

Pizza dough serves as the wrapping for these skewered delights, offering a quick and easy recipe path.

Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well, but for ease, a tube of Pillsbury pizza dough or a pre-rolled ball from your local store is the easiest variety to work with.

No meatballs on stick would be complete without a brush of garlic butter for that nice, golden brown color and extra flavor.

After skewers are baked, a little more garlic butter is brushed on top, followed by a sprinkle of parmesan as garnish. As the cheese melts and hits those baked skewers, the result is simply delicious.

Finally, serve your skewers with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Whether you opt for store-bought sauce or like the idea of stopping by your local Italian bakery for a jar of Nonna’s secret recipe marinara sauce, it’s the perfect complement to this innovative dish.

Meatballs On A Stick Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey/ ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 can Pillsbury original breadsticks
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried Basil
• 12 (10″-12″) wooden skewers
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh chopped
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
3. Combine ground turkey, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, basil, bread crumbs, parsley, and parmesan cheese in a bowl and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Open can of breadsticks and thread one end of breadstick on the skewer, add meatball, repeat the process with more meatballs and end up with the dough.
5. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until the meatball on a stick are cooked completely. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each skewer. Again, place in the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Serve meatballs on a stick and marinara sauce. Enjoy!

Tips For Perfect Garlic Butter Meatball Subs On A Stick

• Roll same-sized meatballs to ensure they come out perfectly. An easy trick is to use a small ice cream scoop for portioning even-sized meatballs. This helps make sure the meatballs are uniform in size and won’t bake unevenly.
• To avoid tough, chewy meatballs, be careful not to pack the turkey meat too tightly. When portioning the meatballs, rub oil on your hands if you find your hands sticking to the meat mixture.
• Don’t overcook; overbaking can lead to dry meatballs and tough breadsticks. Baked meatballs should be browned and cooked through, and the bread should be golden. If not sure, check the meatballs for doneness using a kitchen thermometer; the middle of the meatball should read 165°F.
• Feel free to use any flavor of meatball your family enjoys, whether it’s original, turkey, Italian, or plant-based. All types of meatballs work well for this meatball sub on a stick
• Crescent roll dough or pizza dough can be substituted for breadstick dough. Just need enough to cut into 12 slices. If meatballs come frozen, they need to be defrost just slightly thawed enough to poke a skewer through. If in a hurry, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds; don’t cook, just soft enough to poke a skewer through.
• For one tube of breadsticks, you’ll need 36 meatballs. Note that not all frozen meatballs are the same size, so use your best judgement on how many meatballs will fit on the skewers, especially if they’re pretty large.

Variation Ideas For Meatballs On Stick

• Stuffed meatballs offer an extra cheesy Try ricotta stuffed meatballs or spicy meatballs for an easy variation with a zingy kick.
• For a breakfast idea, create a breakfast meatballs recipe using cheddar cheese and wrap with either crescent roll dough or pizza dough for a morning twist.
• Utilize frozen meatballs for a quick-sticks party appetizer. Simply defrost in the microwave, assemble the recipe, and serve.
• Add veggies to the skewer like onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno slices between the bread and meatballs for added flavor and color.
• Experiment with different cheese options such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, Asiago, grated Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese to sprinkle on top for varied tastes.

Serving Suggestions For Meatball Sub Skewers

For any occasion from a game day party to a family picnic or a neighborhood potluck, meatball subs on a stick serve as a unique appetizer or snack among finger-food favorites.

They pair wonderfully with crazy delicious cheeseburger sliders, air fryer mac and cheese balls, homemade mini corn dogs, and hot corn dip.

Whether you’re a fan of these combinations or prefer to serve the meatball sub skewers as a light, easy dinner alongside a fresh garden salad, Air fryer asparagus, or mediterranean couscous salad, there are countless opportunities to enjoy this juicy, dippable delight.

How To Store And Reheat Meatball Mozzarella Sticks?

To store leftover meatball subs on a stick, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For reheating, lay the skewers on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350ºF until the meatballs are warmed through and the breadstick has crisped up.

Can I Freeze Grilled Meatballs On A Stick?

Yes, you can freeze this meatball skewers with pizza dough recipe either before or after baking.

Pre-freeze meatball subs on sticks on a lined baking sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag or container.

Ensure the bag is sealed and stored flat to prevent the skewers from piercing the plastic.

These meatball appetizers can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, and should be thawed before being baked or reheated.

FAQs About Tasty Meatball Sub Recipe

1. How Do You Keep Meatballs From Sticking?

Use oil or butter in the pan or skillet when cooking the patties to prevent them from sticking together. Avoid overcrowding; the pan should be large enough to accommodate the meatballs without them touching each other.

2. What Makes Meatballs Stick Together Better?

To ensure your meatballs won’t fall apart, massage the meat—True story. Add breadcrumbs to the mixture, but not too many, and add an egg. Avoid adding much apart from meat. Roll the meatballs in flour for extra binding, give the meatballs space while cooking, and shake the meatballs gently as they brown.

3. Does Flour Help Meatballs Stick Together?

Lidia Bastianich, an Italian cookbook author and PBS celebrity chef, recommends a dusting of flour before cooking meatballs in oil in a skillet. This technique helps them hold up better.

4. What Causes Meatballs To Be Dry?

Using lean meats like ground turkey or lean ground beef can result in drier meatballs. A mix of fattier meats makes for juicier meatballs.

5. How Do You Store Meatballs?

Place meatballs in a single layer on a tray lined with baking paper and freeze. Once hard and frozen, transfer to an airtight container or large ziplock bag, label, and date. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

6. Why Are My Meatballs Chewy?

Packing meatballs too tightly makes them tough, rubbery, and chewy. Being gentle while forming meatballs and oiling your hands can prevent the mixture from sticking and ensure evenly sized balls.

7. Do Eggs Make Meatballs Softer?

According to Cook’s Illustrated, adding too many eggs can give meatballs a soggy texture. A single egg, or at most two for each pound of meat, is advisable to avoid additional, unnecessary liquid.

8. Why Are My Meatballs Foaming?

Foaming occurs during cooking at high heat as water releases sarcoplasmic protein, which denatures at high temperatures, creating a foamy, frothy appearance.

9. How Do You Fix Dry Meatballs?

To make meatballs juicier, regardless of the recipe or cooking method, steaming them can help. It ensures the inside remains as juicy as a steamed bun or dumpling.

10. How Do You Thicken Meatballs?

For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking and stir into the sauce. For quicker results, use a saucepan with the cornstarch slurry, boil, then simmer until slightly thickened.

11. How Do You Bind Meatballs Without Eggs?

To bind meatballs without eggs, substitute with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1/4 cup ricotta cheese, or 3 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce per egg.

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