Meatball Boats

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Prepare the Baguettes or Rolls:
   • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the baguettes or rolls. Cut a V-shaped wedge out of the top of each baguette or roll, creating a boat shape. Remove some of the bread from the inside to make room for the meatballs and sauce.
5. Assemble the Boats:
   • Once the meatballs are done baking, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spoon a little marinara sauce into the bottom of each baguette or roll.
   • Place 3-4 meatballs into each boat, depending on their size.
   • Spoon more marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each boat.
6. Bake the Boats:
   • Place the assembled meatball boats back onto the baking sheet and bake in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the meatball boats from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
   • Serve the meatball boats warm, with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Meatball boats are a delicious and fun twist on the classic meatball sub, making them perfect for a casual dinner or a party snack. The combination of juicy meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese nestled in a crispy baguette or roll creates a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will love.

These meatball boats are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, and they can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the fun presentation of these tasty meatball boats, and make them a regular part of your meal rotation!