Pin Experience a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food staple with these Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs. Featuring juicy, oven-baked turkey meatballs simmered in a velvety, homemade garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, these sandwiches are tucked into toasted hoagie rolls and finished with a layer of bubbling mozzarella cheese for the ultimate flavor-packed meal.
Pin Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a weekend treat, the combination of aromatic herbs, sharp Parmesan, and gooey melted cheese makes these subs an instant favorite. By baking the meatballs first, you achieve a beautiful golden exterior while maintaining a moist and tender center.
Ingredients
- Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (finely minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, salt to taste.
- For the Subs: 4 Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Step 3
- Shape the mixture into 16 even meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Step 5
- While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.
- Step 7
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce has thickened, then add salt to taste.
- Step 8
- Add the baked meatballs into the sauce, turning to coat them evenly. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Step 9
- Preheat the broiler. Split the sub rolls and brush the insides with olive oil. Toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 10
- Arrange 4 sauce-coated meatballs in each roll and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Step 11
- Return the subs to the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 12
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter sauce, you can substitute the whole milk with half-and-half or low-fat milk. To ensure the best consistency, make sure to whisk the milk in gradually to keep the sauce smooth and silky before adding the cheese.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile; you can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or pork depending on your preference. For added nutrition and a pop of color, try adding sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the subs before topping them with mozzarella.
Serviervorschläge
These savory subs are best served alongside a crisp, colorful garden salad to balance the richness of the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. They also pair perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or potato wedges for a hearty Italian-American dinner.
Pin With their bubbling cheese and savory garlic aroma, these subs are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy sauce and toasted bread in every delicious bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or pork work beautifully as alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed—the meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and feel firm to the touch.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store assembled subs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. For best results, store meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular ones and use gluten-free sub rolls. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. The texture remains excellent with these simple swaps.
- → What sides pair well with these subs?
Serve with a crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple tomato soup also complement the rich, creamy flavors perfectly.
- → Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce until warmed through. The sauce reheats beautifully on the stovetop.