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One of the secrets to making your Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats truly flavorful lies in the browning process. When meatballs are browned before baking, a Maillard reaction occurs, creating a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. To achieve this, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, ensuring you do not overcrowd them. Allow them to sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps lock in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs.

Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats

Explore the deliciousness of Mini Meatball Garlic Bread Boats, a delightful combination of homemade meatballs and crispy garlic bread. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, these tasty boats feature savory meatballs nestled in a garlic butter spread, topped with gooey mozzarella. This easy-to-follow recipe invites creativity in the kitchen, making meal prep enjoyable for cooks of all skill levels. Dive into comforting flavors and a unique presentation that will impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread or baguette in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the soft interior to create space for the meatballs, leaving about half an inch of bread on the sides. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

      Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set aside.

        Cook the Meatballs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. You don’t need to fully cook them, as they will finish baking in the oven.

          Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

            Assemble the Boats: Spoon some marinara sauce onto the bottom of each bread half. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce, then cover with additional marinara sauce if desired. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs.

              Bake: Place the assembled boats in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using. Cut each half into individual pieces and serve warm.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4-6 servings