Meatball Boats

For the Meatball Boats:

• 4 small baguettes or French rolls (or 2 larger baguettes if you prefer a larger boat)
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or more for extra cheesiness)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Meatball Boats

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. You should be able to make around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a little bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). If you prefer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, add the marinara sauce to the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb all that flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Baguettes for the Boats

1. Hollow Out the Bread: While the meatballs are simmering, take your baguettes or French rolls and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Then, use your hands or a spoon to scoop out the inside of the bread, leaving about a ½-inch border to create a sturdy “boat.” Be sure to keep the scooped-out bread for another use, like breadcrumbs or croutons.
2. Toast the Bread (Optional): If you like your bread extra crispy, you can toast the hollowed-out baguettes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re slightly golden and crispy.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Boats

1. Fill the Boats: Place the hollowed-out baguette halves on a baking sheet. Add 3-4 meatballs to each boat, spooning some of the marinara sauce over the top.
2. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce, covering the entire surface for that cheesy, melty goodness.
3. Bake: Place the assembled meatball boats in the oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the meatball boats are out of the oven, garnish them with fresh basil or parsley if desired, for a fresh, herbal touch. Serve them hot, and watch as your guests (or family) marvel at this fun and mouthwatering twist on a classic.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Boats

1. Fun and Creative: Not only do they taste amazing, but meatball boats are also a fun way to serve meatballs. The unique “boat” presentation makes them stand out and adds a playful element to your meal.
2. Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, sauces, or even bread. You could use ricotta cheese, parmesan, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Add sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of pesto to make them your own.
3. Easy to Make: Despite their impressive look, these meatball boats are incredibly easy to make. The prep is simple, and they’re perfect for a quick dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fun game day treat.
4. Great for Sharing: These meatball boats are ideal for serving at parties or family gatherings. Everyone loves a dish they can hold in their hands, and meatball boats are easy to share, making them a hit for group meals.

Conclusion

Meatball boats are the perfect combination of comfort food and creativity, transforming a simple meatball dish into something fun, satisfying, and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a new family dinner idea or a show-stopping appetizer for your next party, these meatball boats are sure to impress.

So grab your baguettes, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and absolutely delicious meal. With their savory meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and warm marinara sauce, meatball boats are the kind of dish everyone will love—one bite and you’ll see why!