These Meatball Sub Cupcakes combine flaky crescent rolls, juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella for the ultimate bite-sized comfort food!
You ever have one of those days when you’re craving comfort food but also don’t want to deal with the whole messy, two-handed, sauce-dripping situation? Yeah, that was me last week.
I was in the mood for a classic meatball sub, but let’s be real—I wasn’t ready to battle a sandwich that falls apart after the first bite. That’s when I thought, What if I just miniaturized the whole thing?
And boom—Meatball Sub Cupcakes were born. All the flavors you love, but in a fun, easy-to-eat form. No more rogue meatballs rolling across the plate, no more sauce stains on your favorite shirt. Just crispy, cheesy, handheld perfection.
When I first made these, I wasn’t sure if they’d be a hit or a flop—but then I turned around, and my family had already devoured the entire tray before I even got a second bite. So yeah… safe to say these are dangerously good.
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Cupcakes Recipe?
- Easy to make. Minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and zero complicated steps.
- Mess-free eating. Unlike a regular sub, these stay intact—no messy hands, no sauce dripping all over the place.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just Tuesday night, these always disappear fast.
- Customizable. Want them spicy? Want a different cheese? You do you!
- Kid-approved. I swear, even the pickiest eaters go nuts for these.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk ingredients—because a great recipe starts with great components!
- Crescent Dinner Rolls – These create the flaky, buttery base that holds everything together.
- Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to balance the tangy marinara.
- Italian Seasoning – A little herby magic to bring out the flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Because a meatball sub without melty cheese is just wrong.
- Frozen Meatballs – The ultimate shortcut! No need to spend hours rolling and frying your own.
- Spaghetti Sauce – The key to that classic meatball sub flavor.
How To Make Meatball Sub Cupcakes?
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Grab a muffin tin and grease it lightly so your little masterpieces don’t stick.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Roll out your crescent dough and gently press the seams together so you have one solid sheet. Then, cut it into 12 squares and press each square into a muffin cup. This forms the crispy, golden “shell” that holds everything in place.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Filling
In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella. This adds an extra creamy, cheesy layer that takes these cupcakes to the next level. Spoon a little into each dough cup.
Step 4: Add the Meatballs & Sauce
Now, place one frozen meatball into each cup, then spoon some spaghetti sauce over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella—because more cheese = more happiness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Delicious
Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long) before digging in.
Storage Options:
Fridge Storage:
If (and I mean if) you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions:
Want to make these ahead of time? Freeze them! Let them cool, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour before transferring them to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 30 seconds for a quick fix.
- Oven: Bake at 350ºF for 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Air Fryer: 375ºF for 5 minutes—best method, hands down.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian meatballs.
- Cheesy Garlic Version: Brush the tops with garlic butter before baking.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
- BBQ Meatball Cupcakes: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a Southern twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Use keto-friendly dough instead of crescent rolls.
What to Serve with Meatball Sub Cupcakes?
These taste amazing on their own, but if you want to turn them into a full meal, try pairing them with:
- A Simple Side Salad – Something fresh to balance the richness.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Because why not double up on the carbs?
- Extra Marinara for Dipping – Always a good idea.
- A Bowl of Soup – They go great with tomato basil or minestrone.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to use frozen meatballs?
Nope! If you’ve got homemade meatballs, go for it—just cook them first.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 350ºF for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
What if I don’t have crescent dough?
Try biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even pizza dough—they all work great!
If you love cheesy, comforting, handheld goodness, these Meatball Sub Cupcakes are going to be your new favorite snack. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just because you’re craving something amazing, they’ll be a huge hit.
So tell me—are you making these today or RIGHT NOW? Drop a comment below and let me know how they turn out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Meatball Sub Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounces can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 c shredded mozzarella
- 12 1-ounce frozen meatballs
- 1¼ c spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- First preheat your oven to 375ºF. Make sure to grease a muffin tray that can hold 12 cups.
- Next roll out the crescent dough. Make sure to seal any seams. Cut the dough into 12 squares. Take each square. Press it into each of the muffin cups.
- In a bowl combine the cream cheese, Italian seasoning and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese together.
- Spoon this cheesy mixture into each cup in the muffin tray. After that place a meatball on top of each cup. Then add some spaghetti sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Now it's time to bake! Put the muffin tray in your oven. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until you see a nice golden color, on top.
- Enjoy your creation!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
