Melty Meatball Marinara Bites with Mozzarella
When I need a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatball marinara bites with mozzarella always come through. I love that they’re easy to throw together with frozen meatballs, a jar of marinara, and fresh mozzarella. But they taste like something you spent way more time on.
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These marinara meatballs are warm, cheesy, packed with flavor and satisfying—everything you want when feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, they’re super convenient with the toothpick for easy snacking.
How to Make Meatball Marinara Bites with Mozzarella
Here are the ingredients you need to make these mozzarella marinara meatball bites, plus step by step instructions for how to make them.
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce – we used Bertolli brand
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, freshly shredded (melts better)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Step by Step Instructions
#1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or the temperature recommended on your package of frozen meatballs). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Arrange the frozen meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Follow the package instructions for baking. If you’re using Great Value meatballs like we did, bake them for about 15 minutes.
3. While the meatballs bake, wash and finely chop the fresh parsley. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish. Set the parsley aside.
4. Once the meatballs are fully heated through, remove them from the oven. Adjust your oven settings to broil.
5. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each meatball—just enough to coat the top without overwhelming it. Then sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella over the meatballs, making sure each one is evenly covered.
6. Place the meatballs back in the oven. Keep a close eye on them, as broiling can quickly go from perfect to burned. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herby finish. Insert a toothpick into the center of each meatball to make them easy to grab and serve.
8. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter while they’re still warm. Serve immediately—these bites are always a hit!
Hosting a party? Setting up a game-day spread, or just looking for an easy, hearty snack? These meatball marinara bites with mozzarella fit the bill. The combo of tender meatballs, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella topped with a sprinkle of parsley is always a hit.
Meatball Marinara Bites with Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce – we used Bertolli brand
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese freshly shredded (melts better)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or the temperature recommended on your package of frozen meatballs). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange the frozen meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Follow the package instructions for baking. If you’re using Great Value meatballs like we did, bake them for about 15 minutes.
- While the meatballs bake, wash and finely chop the fresh parsley. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish. Set the parsley aside.
- Once the meatballs are fully heated through, remove them from the oven. Adjust your oven settings to broil.
- Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each meatball—just enough to coat the top without overwhelming it. Then sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella over the meatballs, making sure each one is evenly covered.
- Place the meatballs back in the oven. Keep a close eye on them, as broiling can quickly go from perfect to burned. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herby finish. Insert a toothpick into the center of each meatball to make them easy to grab and serve.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter while they’re still warm. Serve immediately—these bites are always a hit!
