Name: Meatball Subs on a Stick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488375H57M58S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 bite-size cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade); 1 lb pizza dough or 2 tubes crescent roll dough; 6–8 wooden skewers; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Marinara sauce, for dipping

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These Meatball Subs on a Stick are a fun, mess-free twist on the classic sub sandwich. With soft, golden dough wrapped around juicy meatballs, melty mozzarella, and a side of marinara for dipping, I love serving these as a party snack, game day bite, or even a quick dinner the whole family gets excited about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a saucy sandwich into an easy-to-eat skewer. No drips, no forks—just all the flavors of a meatball sub in a neat little package. They bake up in under 30 minutes and are super customizable depending on what dough or cheese I have on hand. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

24 bite-size cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
1 lb pizza dough or 2 tubes crescent roll dough
6–8 wooden skewers
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I cut the dough into strips, about ½-inch wide.
I thread 3 meatballs onto each skewer, wrapping a strip of dough between and around each meatball.
I place the skewers on the baking sheet, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top.
I bake them for 12–15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown.
I remove them from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella over the top, and return them to the oven for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
I serve them warm with marinara on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 skewers and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–18 minutes to bake—ready in under 25 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add slices of pepperoni between the meatballs for a meat-lovers version, or I mix in some shredded Parmesan with the mozzarella. I’ve also made them with biscuit dough for a fluffier bite. For a spicy kick, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or serve them with spicy marinara.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the dough crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I just make sure to cook them fully according to the package instructions before skewering and baking.

What dough works best for this recipe?

I like using pizza dough for a chewy texture or crescent dough for a flakier bite. Both work well.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake.

Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?

If I’m baking them for less than 20 minutes, soaking usually isn’t necessary. But for extra precaution, I sometimes soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before using.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use a gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free meatballs to keep the recipe compliant.

Conclusion

These Meatball Subs on a Stick are the ultimate handheld comfort food—cheesy, savory, and perfect for dipping. I love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear from the plate. Whether I’m entertaining or just feeding my crew on a weeknight, they’re always a hit.