![Photograph of Ciabatta Meatball Hero](http://www.daffodilkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_7869_jpg-1140x855.jpg)
Ciabatta Meatball Hero
This incredible meatball and cheese sandwich hails from New York – apparently the ‘hero’ name was coined in the 1930s claiming that only a hero could eat such a large sandwich! I don’t know about that, but I do know that this utterly delicious sandwich loaded with pillowy, soft meatballs, topped with some rich and spicy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, parmesan and some gem lettuce, served in hot, crispy ciabatta, makes a fabulous, exceptionally tasty and filling meal.
I made this for Charlotte and Andrew with some leftover Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce we had eaten with pasta the day before. It was a perfect mid-week, incredibly quick meal and a wonderful way to create a new dish using up the rest of yesterday’s supper!
![](http://www.daffodilkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_7872_jpg-1024x768.jpg)
How to make Ciabatta Meatball Hero
It is difficult to be specific about quantities, as it will depend on how much of the Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce you have leftover and how many people you are cooking for. As such, I will specify only how I made it – the rest can be done by eye.
Collect all your ingredients together:
- ciabatta
- olive oil
- leftover meatballs and tomato sauce
- parmesan cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
![](http://www.daffodilkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_7871_jpg-1024x768.jpg)
How to bring it all together:
- Halve the ciabatta horizontally and, if necessary, cut again to make 2 smaller sandwiches. Brush with olive and bake in the oven for 8 – 12 minutes until hot, lightly browned and crispy.
- As the bread bakes in the oven, reheat the meatballs and sauce. As soon as the ciabatta comes out of the oven, top the base with some meatballs and a little sauce.
- Grate some parmesan cheese over the meatballs and over the other half of the bread.
- Cover the meatballs with slices of mozzarella cheese and add some salt and pepper to taste.
- Pop back in the oven for 8 – 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven, top with some lettuce and complete the sandwich by adding the top layer of bread.
- Eat immediately!
Sandwich ingredients … plus leftover meatballs 1 Brush ciabatta with oil
Made this recipe?
If you make this recipe, do please tag me on instagram @daffodil_kitchen. You could also leave a comment in the box directly below the recipe.
Ciabatta Meatball Hero
A delicious sandwich loaded with pillowy, soft meatballs, topped with some rich and spicy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, parmesan and some gem lettuce, served in hot, crispy ciabatta. Serves – as many as you choose
Ingredients
- ciabatta
- olive oil
- leftover meatballs and tomato sauce
- parmesan cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- lettuce leaves – I used baby gem
Instructions
-
Collect together your equipment (see Recipe Notes below) and ingredients.
-
Preheat oven to Fan Oven 180°C/200°C/400°F/Gas 6
-
Halve the ciabatta horizontally and, if necessary, cut again to make 2 smaller sandwiches. Brush with olive and bake in the oven for 8 – 12 minutes until hot, lightly browned and crispy.
-
As the bread bakes in the oven, reheat the meatballs and sauce. As soon as the ciabatta comes out of the oven, top the base with some meatballs and a little sauce.
-
Grate some parmesan cheese over the meatballs and over the other half of the bread.
-
Cover the meatballs with slices of mozzarella cheese and add some salt and pepper to taste.
-
Pop back in the oven for 8 – 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
-
Remove from the oven, top with some lettuce and complete the sandwich by adding the top layer of bread.
-
Eat immediately!
Recipe Notes
Equipment:
- baking tray
- small bowl and pastry brush
- saucepan to re-heat meatballs
- grater for the parmesan
More from my site
Italian Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Lamb Kofta Meatballs served in a Coconut and Tomato Sauce
Japanese Pork, Sesame and Ginger Meatballs with Soba Noodles
Massaman Meatball Curry with Tamarind and Peanut Butter
Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce
Olive Ciabatta Loaded with Red Pepper, Mushrooms and Feta Cheese
![Photograph of Italian Meatballs with Tomato Sauce](http://www.daffodilkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1302_jpg-75x75.jpg)
Italian Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
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