Meatball cups are a fun twist on traditional meatballs, where meatballs are baked inside small dough “cups” made from pizza dough, puff pastry, or biscuit dough. They’re perfect for parties, appetizers, or fun weeknight dinners.
Here’s a fun and delicious recipe for Meatball Sub Cups using pizza crust – perfect for parties or a snack!
FAQ
1. What types of dough can I use for meatball cups?
Popular options include pizza dough, crescent rolls, biscuit dough, or puff pastry. Each adds a different texture: pizza dough gives a chewier bite, puff pastry is flaky, and biscuit dough is soft and tender.
2. Can I make meatball cups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready, or reheat if they’ve already been cooked.
3. What kind of meatballs work best?
You can use any meatball—store-bought, homemade, turkey, beef, chicken, or veggie. Mini meatballs work best for bite-sized cups, but you can cut regular-sized meatballs in half if needed.
4. How do I prevent the cups from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the dough cups for a few minutes before adding the meatballs and sauce. This step helps create a barrier, keeping the dough crisp.
5. Do I have to use an egg wash?
No. An egg wash is a mixture of beaten egg (sometimes with added liquid like water or milk) that’s brushed onto dough before baking. It helps give baked goods a golden-brown, shiny finish and can also be used as a “glue” to help toppings stick or to seal edges of pastries. It helps but is optional.
Tips for Perfect Meatball Cups
- Cheese First! Add a small layer of shredded cheese in the dough cup before placing the meatball. This creates a delicious barrier and adds gooey goodness.
- Season Your Dough: Brush the dough with garlic butter, Italian seasoning, or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Portion Control: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized meatball cups or a regular muffin tin for larger ones.
- Sauce Choice: Marinara is classic, but barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or even pesto can add variety.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle extra cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
These tips and tricks will help you make meatball cups that are tasty, versatile, and crowd-pleasing every time!
Tips:
For extra flavor, brush the edges of the dough with garlic butter before baking. You can also add a little pepperoni slice under each meatball for a fun twist!
Meatball Sub Cups with Pizza Crust
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
Ingredients
- 2 cans of pizza dough or use homemade if preferred
- 12 small cooked meatballs store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- egg for egg wash
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 12 squares.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin. Press each pizza dough square into a muffin cup, pressing it against the sides to create a small cup shape.
- Place one meatball in each cup. Spoon a bit of marinara sauce over each meatball, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan. Finally, add a pinch of Italian seasoning on top. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of egg wash on the surface of the dough
- Bake the meatball cups in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the meatball sub cups from the muffin tin and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm!
