Get ready for a flavor experience that combines all your favorite comfort foods into one epic sandwich! This Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub takes hearty meatballs, drapes them in a rich, creamy bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, and then loads it all into a toasted hoagie roll, crowned with an extra drizzle of melted cheese. It’s a bold, satisfying, and undeniably delicious mashup that’s perfect for game day, a fun family dinner, or any time you’re craving something truly extraordinary. Prepare yourself for a symphony of textures and tastes in every single bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that comfort food should be both satisfying and exciting, and this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub hits every single mark. What I love most is how it brings together so many beloved elements: the savory meatballs, the smoky, salty bacon, the gooey, cheesy macaroni, and the crisp, toasted bread. Each component plays its part perfectly, creating a flavor explosion that’s incredibly addictive. It feels gourmet and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble. This sub isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, guaranteed to impress and satisfy anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to build these magnificent subs:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese:
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4-5 slices)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mozzarella-Parmesan Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 4 hoagie rolls
Swaps and Notes
This recipe is already packed with flavor, but feel free to tweak it to your liking:
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give a lighter texture to the meatballs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese for Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for a cheddar-jack blend, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda for different flavor notes.
- Bacon: If you prefer, you can use pancetta instead of bacon, or omit it for a non-bacon version.
- Pasta for Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Any small pasta shape like shells or ditalini will work.
- Milk: For an extra creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
- Cheese for Drizzle: A mix of provolone and Parmesan would also be excellent for the top drizzle.
- Hoagie Rolls: Any good quality sub roll or hero bread will work. Make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the generous filling.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mac ‘n’ cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for some heat.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Let’s build these legendary subs!
- Prepare Meatballs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into 12-16 meatballs (about 1.5 inches each) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Set aside.
- Make Mac ‘n’ Cheese Sauce: While meatballs bake, in a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Finish Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add the 1 cup cooked macaroni and 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Prepare Mozzarella-Parmesan Drizzle: In a separate small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/4 cup milk over low heat (or in the microwave until warm). Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and pourable. Keep warm.
- Toast Hoagie Rolls: Slice the 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Lightly toast them in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until just golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Subs: Open each toasted hoagie roll. Place a generous layer of the bacon mac ‘n’ cheese mixture on the bottom half of each roll. Arrange several of the cooked meatballs on top of the mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle generously with the warm mozzarella-Parmesan cheese sauce. Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the roll. Serve hot and enjoy your incredible Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Subs!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Mix ground beef just until combined to ensure tender meatballs.
- Al Dente Macaroni: Cook macaroni slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook in the hot cheese sauce.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and integrates better into sauces.
- Keep Sauces Warm: Make sure both the mac ‘n’ cheese and the cheese drizzle are kept warm until assembly for the best melty, gooey experience.
- Toast Rolls Properly: Toasting the hoagie rolls adds crucial texture and helps them stand up to the rich, hearty filling.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Subs are incredibly hearty and satisfying on their own, but here are some ideas to make it a full meal:
- Simple Sides: A side of crispy French fries, onion rings, or a classic coleslaw would be perfect.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would offer a nice contrast to the richness.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer extra ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a side of marinara for dipping the meatballs.
- Game Day Feast: These subs are an absolute showstopper for game day! Serve alongside other crowd-pleasing appetizers like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Beverages: A cold beer, a root beer, or a classic cola would complement the rich, savory flavors.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub is best enjoyed fresh, when the bread is toasted and the cheese is hot and gooey. However, components can be prepped ahead of time.
- Meatballs: Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese: The mac ‘n’ cheese can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk to restore creaminess before assembling.
- Cheese Drizzle: The mozzarella-Parmesan drizzle is best made just before serving, as it can thicken significantly upon cooling.
Assembled subs do not store well due to the bread becoming soggy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dishes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite recipes:
- For another fantastic cheesy creation that’s a guaranteed hit, check out How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- If you’re looking for simple one-pan meals that deliver big on flavor, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- And for an incredibly easy way to feed a crowd with minimal fuss, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure! It takes beloved comfort foods and elevates them into a truly unforgettable meal experience. The combination of savory meatballs, creamy bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, and gooey melted cheese, all packed into a toasted sub roll, is pure indulgence. It’s guaranteed to be a hit and leave everyone completely satisfied.
I hope you give this epic sub a try and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you or if you added any of your own creative touches. And as always, for more exciting and flavorful recipes, be sure to follow ChefManiac.com!
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