Best 11 Miniature Meatball Panini Recipes

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Calling all meatball enthusiasts! Satisfy your cravings with our delectable miniature meatball panini, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines the irresistible taste of homemade meatballs, the gooey indulgence of melted cheese, and the crispy embrace of toasted bread. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. Along with the classic meatball panini, we present exciting variations to cater to diverse palates. Experiment with a vegetarian version featuring flavorful lentil meatballs or indulge in a spicy twist with our chipotle-infused turkey meatballs. Each variation promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're hosting a party or simply seeking a delightful meal, these miniature meatball paninis are sure to be the stars of the show.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

MINI MEATBALL PASTA BAKE



Mini Meatball Pasta Bake image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces Italian sausage
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Splash of milk
1 large egg, beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil, for browning
Olive oil, as needed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, chopped
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
One 12-ounce can tomato paste
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 pound ziti or mostaccioli pasta
16 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Add the ground beef, sausage, oats, Parmesan, parsley, dried oregano, milk, egg and some salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together well with your hands. Roll into approximately 48 meatballs (1 inch) and place on a baking sheet.
  • To brown the meatballs, heat some olive oil in a heavy pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in 3 batches and cook, turning, until brown, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels after each batch. Set the meatballs aside.
  • For the sauce: In a separate skillet or pot, heat some olive oil. Add the garlic and onion and cook until translucent, a few minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, hot water, parsley, sugar and some salt and pepper. Next, add the meatballs and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Stir in the basil, then set aside to cool.
  • For the layering: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • To assemble: Spoon some cooled sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch dish. Layer on half of the pasta, half the sauce and meatballs and then half the mozzarella cubes. Repeat the layers once more and top the dish with the grated Parmesan.
  • If serving immediately, baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
  • If serving later, cover the assembled dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.

MINI MEATBALLS



Mini Meatballs image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 30 medium meatballs or 70 small

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds lean ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
2 cups Italian flavored breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
4 medium eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, minced
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl or mixer, thoroughly mix the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, eggs, garlic, onion and some salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Shape into meatballs and place on a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake 30 minutes for medium or 25 minutes for bite-size. Stick toothpicks in the finished meatballs to serve as an appetizer.

MINIATURE MEATBALL PANINI



Miniature Meatball Panini image

These mini meatball sandwiches can be prepared in advance; simply bake, cool, and freeze them in airtight plastic bags. To serve, thaw and reheat in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.From the book "Lucinda's Rustic Italian Kitchen," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Wiley).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes 8 to 10 appetizer servings (56 pieces)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 loaf thin-sliced white bread, such as Pepperidge Farm
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground pork, or a combination of beef and pork
1 large egg
1/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a food processor or blender, process the ends of the loaf of bread to fine breadcrumbs, about 1/2 cup. Set the remaining bread aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, meat, egg, cheeses, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix with your hands to combine well.
  • Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and reserve on a baking sheet. Lay 2 slices of bread on work surface. Butter one side of each piece. Place 4 meatballs on the buttered surface of the slice of bread. Top with a second slice of bread, buttered side down, and press firmly to adhere. Use a serrated knife to cut the crusts from the bread. Bake the crusts separately for a "chef's treat." Repeat with the remaining meatballs and bread. This process can be done assembly-line style, lining up slices of buttered bread and assembling a number at a time. Prepare 2 baking sheets at a time if possible.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat, if necessary, until all sandwiches are cooked. Remove from the pan and cool. Serve slightly warm.

MINI MEATBALL SANDIES



Mini Meatball Sandies image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 33m

Yield 12 sandies

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup finely crushed corn cereal (such as Corn Flakes)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon ketchup, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces 96-percent lean ground beef
Twelve 2 1/2-inch diameter sweet dinner rolls, halved, such as King's Hawaiian

Steps:

  • Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the cereal, parsley, egg, oil, 1 tablespoon ketchup, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef and gently stir to combine. With damp hands, roll the mixture into 12 mini meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes Cool for 10 minutes.
  • Make an indentation in the center of the bottom half of a roll. Slice a meatball in half and put in the indentation. Add about 1 teaspoon of ketchup to the meatballs and cover with the top half of the roll. Repeat with the remaining rolls and filling.
  • Arrange the sandies on a platter and serve.

MINI MEATBALL SUBS



Mini Meatball Subs image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 12 mini subs

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 frozen dinner rolls, thawed and risen
6 slices provolone, halved
3/4 cup marinara sauce, plus more for serving
12 frozen Italian meatballs, thawed
1/2 cup sliced deli peppers
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line the bottom of a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Flatten each roll into a 6-inch round. Onto each flattened roll, add a half slice of provolone, 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, a meatball and, finally, a slice of the deli peppers.
  • Fold opposite sides of each roll up and over the meatball, pinching them together. Continue folding and pinching the sides together until the meatball and filling are completely encased in the dough. Place seam-side down onto the prepared sheet pan.
  • Mix together the olive oil, Parmesan and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Brush the top of each roll with the mixture. Bake until golden and crisp, 16 to 18 minutes. Serve with warm marinara on the side.

MEATBALL PANINI



Meatball Panini image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 large red onion, peeled, cut into eight 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ciabatta rolls, halved horizontally
1 cup jarred tomato-basil sauce, such as Giada De Laurentiis for Target
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 1/3 cups arugula
12 Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs, recipe follows, halved
8 thin slices prosciutto, each about 6- by- 3-inches
Eight 1/4-inch-thick slices provolone
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground dark turkey meat
1 pound spicy Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill or panini maker. Brush the onion slices on both sides with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Grill the onion slices until tender and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside to cool.
  • Pull out and remove some of the bread from each half of the rolls. Spoon half of the sauce over the bottom halves of the rolls. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Add the arugula, meatballs, prosciutto slices, grilled onions and the remaining sauce. Place 2 slices of cheese on top. Add the tops of the rolls and drizzle with olive oil. Using a pastry brush, brush the oil evenly over the tops.
  • Place the sandwiches in a panini maker and cook until the cheese has melted and the meatballs are heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Cut the panini in half and serve.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, parsley, milk, tomato paste, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic and onions. Using a wooden spoon, stir to blend. Add the ground turkey and sausage meat. Using fingers, gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
  • Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (22 to 24 meatballs). Place the meatballs on a heavy nonstick baking sheet, spacing apart. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until cooked through, 15 minutes. Yield: 22 to 24 meatballs.

MINI MEATBALL HEROES



Mini Meatball Heroes image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield 12 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 small onion, grated
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 large egg
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs
6 ounces ground beef
6ounces ground veal
6 ounces ground pork
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Marinara Sauce, recipe follows, or 26-ounce jar, store-purchased
Twelve 3 to 3 1/2-inch diameter Italian rolls, split, warm
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3 ounces sliced provolone
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Two 32-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves

Steps:

  • To make the meatballs: Whisk the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese and bread crumbs. Mix in the beef, veal, and pork. Using about 2 tablespoons of meat for each, shape the meat mixture into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch-diameter meatballs. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Heat the oil in heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat. Working in 2 to 3 batches, add the meatballs and saute until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a plate. Pour off any excess oil. Return all the meatballs to the pan. Add the Marinara Sauce. Simmer over medium-low until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors blend, about 10 minutes. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The meatball mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before continuing.)
  • To make the sandwiches: Spoon the hot meatballs with some sauce over the bottoms of the rolls. Place 1/2 slice provolone on top of meatballs and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Spread more sauce over the roll tops, then fold the tops of the rolls over and serve.
  • In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

CHEESY MEATBALL SLIDERS



Cheesy Meatball Sliders image

These sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Lunch

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 package (18 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls
12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or shredded Italian cheese blend
Minced fresh basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, pesto and egg; mix lightly. Shape into 12 meatballs; place on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until browned and a thermometer reads 160°, about 35 minutes. Toss meatballs with sauce; set aside., Meanwhile, without separating rolls, cut horizontally in half; arrange bottom halves in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place half of cheese slices over roll bottoms; sprinkle with oregano. Add meatballs and sauce. Top with remaining cheese slices and bun tops., Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; brush over buns. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella., Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 514 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 120mg cholesterol, Sodium 856mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

MEATBALL SUB PANINI



Meatball Sub Panini image

A new spin on the classic meatball sub. This works great especially when you only have sliced bread on hand and no hoagie rolls. The panini effect keeps the sliced bread from getting soggy.

Provided by Chef Itchy Monkey

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 14m

Yield 1 sandwich, 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 slices sourdough bread or 2 slices white bread
1/2 tablespoon butter, softened
1 -2 meatballs, cooked (I recommend Meatballs Italiano)
2 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
2 -3 tablespoons marinara sauce

Steps:

  • Pre-heat panini grill to medium-high.
  • Slice meatballs into 1/4" rounds. Warm meatballs and marinara sauce in the microwave.
  • Butter 1 side of each slice of bread, lay butter-side down on your work surface.
  • On one slice of bread, layer ingredients in the following order: 1oz cheese, marinara sauce, meatball slices, more marinara sauce, remaining cheese, top piece of bread, with buttered sides facing out.
  • Place assembled sandwich on the hot grill, and close, pressing down for about a minute. Continue cooking for a few minutes, until golden brown.

QUICK AND YUMMY MEATBALL PANINI'S



Quick and Yummy Meatball Panini's image

A semi-homemade recipe I came up with trying to please my son's craving for a meatball grinder (New England name for a sub or hoagie) and my wish not to waste a loaf of ciabatta bread I had bought the day before. The result? My son said they were "amazing" and he was glad I didn't order out and I thought they were quite yummy myself! FYI - the infused olive oil can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container to be used later in the week in any pasta or italian dish. The leftover sauce and meatballs, if any, can be saved for later use as well.

Provided by FeelinYummy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 4 panini sandwiches, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 loaf ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise and then in quarters to make 4 sandwiches
1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
12 ounces frozen meatballs (varies depending on size of meatballs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons italian seasoning
4 slices mozzarella cheese (deli sliced)

Steps:

  • Add olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add marinara sauce and meatballs to a medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • When the sauce is hot and the meatballs are heated all the way through turn off the heat and remove meatballs from the sauce.
  • Remove the olive oil from the heat and over a small bowl, pour the oil mixture through a small metal strainer.
  • Using the back of a metal spoon, scrape the bottom of the strainer, pushing the garlic "paste" into the bowl.
  • Brush a thin layer of the flavored oil onto the cut sides of the bread.
  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over one side of the bread.
  • Cut each meatball in half and place them in an even layer over the marinara sauce.
  • Place a slice of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
  • Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese covered meatballs.
  • Heat an indoor grill pan over medium high heat.
  • Place the sandwiches on the grill and cover with a bacon press or other heavy object and cook just until nice grill marks appear.
  • Turn the sandwiches over and place the bacon press on top and cook just long enough to see grill marks.
  • Serve.

EASY MEATBALL PANINI



Easy Meatball Panini image

Make and share this Easy Meatball Panini recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Derf2440

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 23m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

16 frozen cooked italian style meatballs, about 1 lb
1 (15 ounce) can pizza sauce
4 hoagie rolls
4 slices provolone cheese
1 cup loosely packed large basil leaves or 1 cup spinach leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat Broiler.
  • Combine meatballs and pizza sauce in a large saucepan.
  • Cover and cook over medium low heat for 10 minutes or til heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, cut a thin slice from the top of each roll, hollow out roll leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick shell, Discard bread from rolls or save for another use.
  • Place hollowed out rolls and roll tops, cut sides up, on baking sheet.
  • Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or till lightly toasted.
  • Remove roll tops from the baking sheet.
  • Spoon meatballs and sauce into toasted rolls.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Broil about 1 minute more or till cheese is melted.
  • To serve, place basil or spinach leaves on top of cheese and replace roll tops.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ground beef. Choose a blend that is at least 80% lean, and avoid using ground beef that is too finely ground, as it will become tough when cooked.
  • Season the meatballs generously. Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to give the meatballs flavor.
  • Cook the meatballs thoroughly. The meatballs should be cooked until they are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check the doneness of the meatballs by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of one meatball; the meatball is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Use a good-quality hoagie roll. The hoagie roll should be soft and fluffy, and it should be able to hold up to the meatballs and sauce without getting soggy.
  • Slather the hoagie roll with sauce. Use a tomato sauce that is flavorful and not too chunky. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
  • Add plenty of cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or provolone. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Broil the panini until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the panini so that it does not burn.

Conclusion:

Miniature meatball paninis are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they are also a great way to use up leftover meatballs. With a few simple tips, you can make miniature meatball paninis that are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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