This cheesy meatball garlic bread bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of garlic bread, meatballs, and gooey cheese in a deliciously comforting casserole. It’s perfect for gatherings like Super Bowl parties or family events, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering taste, it’s no wonder this dish is always in demand!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen garlic bread
- 2 (24 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 40 Italian-style frozen meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Butter, for buttering the garlic bread slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven to broil. Slice the French bread into thick one-inch slices. Lightly butter one side of each slice and place them on a cookie sheet with the buttered side facing up. Sprinkle the bread slices lightly with garlic salt. Broil until they are toasty on the edges, ensuring not to burn them. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch metal or glass baking pan with cooking spray.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the toasted garlic bread slices in the prepared baking pan, ensuring there are minimal gaps. If needed, cut one slice into pieces to fill any large gaps.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over all the garlic bread slices, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Add the Meatballs: Cut the thawed meatballs in half and distribute them evenly over the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each slice of garlic bread is topped with meatballs.
- Layer with Spaghetti Sauce: Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated in the rich tomato sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spaghetti sauce, covering the entire surface of the casserole. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This cheesy meatball garlic bread bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the dish by using different types of frozen meatballs, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce before pouring it over the meatballs.
- Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina, to create unique flavor profiles.
- To make the dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 940mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 21g
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of flavors and simple preparation, this cheesy meatball garlic bread bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it up for a game day gathering or a cozy family dinner, this crowd-pleasing dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two) of this cheesy goodness and watch it disappear in no time!
