The meatball sandwich is a culinary delight enjoyed around the world. It typically consists of cooked meatballs served on a bread roll or bun, along with various vegetables, condiments, and cheeses. While recipes and names vary regionally, the meatball sandwich remains a beloved and quintessential comfort food.
Origins and History
Meatballs themselves have ancient origins, with early versions appearing in Persian, Greek, and Roman cuisines. Meatballs were an efficient way to stretch and extend small amounts of meat. Over time, they gained popularity across Europe and beyond.
The meatball sandwich itself has rather humble beginnings. It likely first appeared in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century as a simple yet filling meal often served in diners and luncheonettes. The meatball sandwich grew especially popular in Italian-American immigrant communities.
Regional Variations
In the United States, several regional variations of the meatball sandwich emerged. In New England, the meatball grinder reigns supreme. It features fried meatballs served on an Italian roll and sometimes includes melted mozzarella cheese. The Philadelphia-style meatball sandwich is larger, made with oversized meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and provolone or mozzarella cheese.
In the Midwest, the meatball sandwich frequently appears open-faced, covered in beef gravy. The Chicago-style meatball sandwich adds giardiniera, an Italian pickled vegetable mix. On the West Coast, sourdough bread is often used as the base. Additional toppings like sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms reflect a blend of cuisines.
International Variations
The meatball sandwich enjoys worldwide popularity as well. In Sweden, köttbullar—the national meatball dish—is served in a sandwich known as bullar med bröd. In Denmark, extra large meatballs called bøfsandwich appear on sandwiches with pickles, onions, and mustard.
Throughout the Middle East, kofta sandwiches feature spiced lamb or beef meatballs served in flatbread like pita. The Vietnamese bánh mì chả giò substitutes meatballs for sausage, while still including traditional pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce.
Common Ingredients
Though preparations vary, some key ingredients appear in many meatball sandwich recipes:
Meat
– Ground beef, pork, veal, lamb, chicken, or turkey
– Binders like breadcrumbs or egg
– Seasonings like garlic, onion, parsley, basil
Bread
– Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, French bread, ciabatta
– Flatbreads like pita or naan
Cheese
– Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, cheddar
Sauce
– Tomato sauce, marinara sauce, gravy
– Pesto, aioli, mustard
Vegetables
– Onion, bell pepper, mushroom, olive, pickle
Nutrition
The meatball sandwich offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. A typical 6-inch meatball sub provides:
– Calories: 500-800
– Total fat: 15-35g
– Carbs: 50-100g
– Protein: 25-40g
The exact nutrition will vary based on ingredients and portion size. Meatball sandwiches make a filling meal, though the large serving size can mean high calorie and fat content. Enjoying meatball sandwiches in moderation is a good approach.
Recipe Ideas
Try making these delicious meatball sandwich recipes at home:
Classic Meatball Sub
| Ingredients: | Steps: |
| – 1 lb ground beef | 1. Make meatballs: Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, 2 T olive oil, salt, and pepper. Form into balls. |
| – 1/2 cup breadcrumbs | 2. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until browned. |
| – 1 egg | 3. Fry meatballs in 2 T olive oil for 5 minutes until crispy. |
| – 2 cloves garlic, minced | 4. Grill sub rolls, 3 minutes each side. |
| – Olive oil | 5. Layer meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella on roll. |
| – Salt and pepper | 6. Broil 2 minutes until cheese melts. |
| – Sub rolls | 7. Serve hot. |
| – Marinara sauce | |
| – Shredded mozzarella |
Swedish Meatball Sandwich
| Ingredients: | Steps: |
| – 1 lb ground pork | 1. Make meatballs: Mix pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and allspice. Form small balls. |
| – 1/2 cup breadcrumbs | 2. Simmer in cream sauce 10 minutes. |
| – 1 egg | 3. Grill sandwich bread. |
| – 1/2 onion, diced | 4. Layer meatballs, cream sauce, lingonberry jam on bread. |
| – Salt and allspice | 5. Top with pickled cucumber. |
| – Heavy cream | 6. Enjoy! |
| – Lingonberry jam | |
| – Pickled cucumber | |
| – Sourdough bread |
Where to Eat Meatball Sandwiches
You don’t have to make meatball sandwiches at home to enjoy them. Try these restaurants known for serving excellent meatball sandwiches:
– Ikea – Offers köttbullar sandwiches and sweets at in-store cafeterias
– Subway – Build your own or order preset meatball marinara subs
– Firehouse Subs – Choose a specialty meatball sub with different sauces
– Pizza Hut – Serves meatball pepperoni subs with pizza flavors
– Greco’s Italian – Philadelphia favorite for enormous, authentic meatball subs
– Meatball Shop – NYC hotspot with many creative meatball sandwich options
– Meat Market Co. – LA food trucks serving global meatball sandwiches
Tips for Making Meatball Sandwiches
Follow these tips for perfect meatball sandwiches every time:
– Use fresh, soft bread or rolls that won’t tear but will still contain the meatballs without crushing them. Ciabatta, sub rolls, and Pretzel buns work well.
– Chill the meatballs before frying or baking them, as cold meat holds its shape better. Then cook them until nicely browned.
– Use high-quality marinara sauce, either homemade or your favorite brand. Meatballs and sauce should complement each other.
– Don’t overdo it on cheese. Just a bit of melting mozzarella or provolone allows the other flavors to shine.
– Include some greens. Spinach, arugula, shredded lettuce, or other greens add texture and freshness.
– Brush the insides of the bread with butter or olive oil before assembling your sandwich for extra richness and moisture.
– If serving open-faced, provide extra sauce for dipping and add breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top of the meatballs.
Meatball Sandwich FAQs
Get answers to some common meatball sandwich questions:
What is the best bread for a meatball sandwich?
An Italian or French bread roll works well, as does ciabatta. The bread should be soft enough to bite through but sturdy enough to contain the fillings.
Can you freeze meatball sandwich filling?
Yes, freeze homemade meatballs and sauce separately up to 3 months. Thaw filling completely before assembling sandwiches.
How long do assembled meatball subs last in the fridge?
Store assembled meatball subs wrapped tightly in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
What cheese goes best on a meatball sandwich?
Mozzarella and provolone complement meatballs well when melted. Parmesan adds a tasty topping. Avoid soft cheeses like ricotta in sandwiches.
How can I make meatless meatball sandwiches?
Swap beef and pork for plant-based meatballs or try chickpea flour and black bean meatballs. Use mushroom meatballs for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
From New York to Sweden, the meatball sandwich remains a cherished food tradition. While regional variations exist, its core appeal endures – tasty meatballs and sauce served on fresh, doughy bread. Preparing meatball sandwiches at home lets you control the ingredients and flavors. Just follow a few simple tips for meatball sandwich success.