Oh, boy! Halloween is right around the corner, and I can hardly contain my excitement for all the ghoulish fun and tasty treats! Among my favorite spooky delights is the Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwich. This creepy culinary creation has been a true hit at my Halloween gatherings and always makes for some great laughs (and eye rolls!).
I remember the first time I made these for a party; I thought, “What could be more fun than meatballs disguised as creepy eyeballs?” As the kids walked in and saw the subs, their eyes went wide—half in fear and half in delight! The combination of flavors is seriously to die for, and the presentation is just gruesomely perfect. Let’s dive into this frightful feast that’s sure to impress both the young and the young at heart!
What’s in Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwiches?
Ground Beef or Turkey: The star of the show! I usually lean towards ground beef for its rich flavor, but feel free to use turkey for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together, giving them a nice texture. I prefer using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor!
Egg: Just one egg will give our meatballs the perfect consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: A little grated cheese adds a depth of flavor that you can’t resist. Trust me, you’ll want to sprinkle some extra on top!
Pizza Sauce: For that classic Italian flavor and to keep our subs nice and saucy. Any brand you love works, but I’m a fan of the store brand for its rich tomato taste.
Green Olives: The pièce de résistance! These little guys act as our “eyeballs.” I recommend using pimento-stuffed olives for an extra pop of color.
Sub Rolls: An essential part of the dish! Choose hoagie rolls or any sturdy bread that can hold all that gooey goodness.
Is Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwiches Good for You?
While these sandwich monstrosities are certainly a fun Halloween treat, they do have their perks when it comes to nutrition too!
Ground Beef: Packed with protein and iron, ground beef can fuel you up for all those candy hunts—just remember moderation is key!
Olives: They are heart-healthy, provide healthy fats, and add some zing!
However, keep in mind that overindulging in these sinfully delicious sandwiches might not sit well with your stomach, especially when paired with the mountain of Halloween candy you’ll probably consume as well. Health is important, but so is enjoying our deliciously spooky creations!
Ingredients for Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwiches (Serves 4)
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
– 1 egg
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 jar pizza sauce (about 16 oz)
– 12 green olives (pimento-stuffed)
– 4 sub rolls
How to Make Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwiches?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined—don’t worry, I always think this part is the messiest but the most fun!
3. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and slightly brown on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, warm the pizza sauce in a small pot over medium heat.
6. Once the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and carefully place each one inside the sub rolls. Spoon a generous amount of warm pizza sauce over the meatballs.
7. Finally, top each meatball with a green olive, making it look like an eye peeking out!
8. Serve these spooky sandwiches immediately and bask in the delight of your guests’ reactions!
Monster-Sized Tips and Tricks
– Want to kick it up a notch? Add some mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs before adding the olive; let it melt into a gooey masterpiece.
– If green olives aren’t your vibe, feel free to use black olives or even cherry tomatoes—though they might not be as “eye-like,” they’re equally delicious!
– These sandwiches pair perfectly with a side of “witch’s brew” (a fun Halloween punch) or some “graveyard salad.”
I truly hope you give these Eyeball Meatball Sub Sandwiches a try—they’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes (or perhaps a trick?). I’d love to hear how your creepy creations turn out! Happy Halloween, my friends, and may your night be filled with delicious scares and joyful treats!
