Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon pepper
• 1 egg
• 10-12 slices mozzarella cheese

Marinara Sauce:

• Optional for serving.

Garlic Butter:

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Form the meat mixture into ping-pong ball-sized meatballs by rolling them between your hands.

4. Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning to brown all sides. Once cooked, drain excess fat by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Slice the baguette into thirds or quarters, ensuring each piece is roughly the length of two meatballs.

6. Use a knife to hollow out the insides of each baguette piece, creating a cavity for the meatballs.

7. Stack two slices of mozzarella cheese with a 1-inch overlap. Place two meatballs on the overlapping cheese, then tightly wrap the mozzarella around the meatballs.

8. Carefully insert the rolled meatballs and cheese into each hollowed-out baguette piece.

9. Slice each stuffed baguette piece into 1-inch slices and arrange them tightly side-by-side on a baking sheet lined with foil.

10. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese to make the garlic butter.

11. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the tops of the baguette slices, ensuring some drips in between the slices.

12. Wrap the foil over the assembled baguette and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is beginning to brown.

13. Remove the foil and serve the cheesy meatball baguette slices with marinara sauce on the side.

14. Enjoy your delicious meal!