Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs features tender Italian meatballs simmered in zesty marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese and served on a toasted sub roll, delivering a hearty and flavorful classic sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven (for toasting sub rolls and melting cheese)
- Sauce pot or pan (for simmering meatballs and marinara sauce)
- Cooking utensils (spoon, spatula, tongs)
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Baking tray or sheet pan
- Ladle
- Sandwich assembly station/table
- Cheese slicer or grater (if slicing/grating provolone)
- Food gloves
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian-style meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Butter (for toasting rolls)
Italian-style meatballs should be fresh or fully thawed before cooking to ensure even simmering in the marinara sauce. Use a high-quality marinara sauce with balanced acidity and spice to complement the meatballs without overpowering the sandwich. Provolone cheese melts best when sliced evenly, so consider using a cheese slicer or grater for uniform coverage. Butter the sub rolls lightly before toasting to achieve a golden, crispy texture that enhances the sandwich's overall flavor. You can recreate the rich and hearty Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs classic sandwich by following a copycat menu with these key ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Lightly butter the inside of each sub roll.
- Place rolls open-faced on a baking tray.
- Toast rolls in the oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Simmer meatballs and marinara sauce together in a sauce pot over medium heat until heated through.
- Use a ladle to scoop meatballs and sauce onto each toasted sub roll.
- Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Place assembled sandwiches back on the baking tray.
- Bake in oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and transfer to serving plates.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs copycat menu is a savory sub featuring Italian-style meatballs simmered in tangy marinara and topped with melted provolone on toasted rolls. If you can't find Italian-style meatballs, homemade beef or turkey meatballs seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil work well as substitutes. When provolone is unavailable, mozzarella or provolone slices from another brand can provide a similar creamy, melty texture. Butter the sub rolls lightly before toasting to achieve the signature crispiness, and you can use a skillet instead of an oven if needed. Your sandwich will still taste authentic and satisfying with these simple ingredient and equipment adjustments.
Tips
Make sure to evenly slice the sub rolls without cutting through the bottom to prevent the sandwich from falling apart during assembly and baking. When toasting the rolls, watch carefully to avoid burning, aiming for a light golden crispness to enhance texture. Simmer the meatballs thoroughly in the marinara to blend flavors and ensure they are heated evenly for food safety. Use a ladle to distribute meatballs and sauce consistently on each roll, and be cautious when melting the provolone cheese to avoid overcooking or drying the sandwich.
Nutritions
Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs provides a substantial source of protein from Italian-style meatballs and provolone cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. The marinara sauce adds vitamins A and C from tomatoes, contributing antioxidants for immune health. The toasted sub roll provides carbohydrates for energy, while the butter enhances flavor but adds saturated fats to consider. Your meal combines macronutrients and essential micronutrients but should be balanced with vegetables or salad for a complete diet.
Storage
Store leftover Firehouse Meatball sandwiches in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2-3 days to ensure safe quality. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven to warm the sandwich evenly and melt the cheese without making the bread soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap Italian meatballs with spicy chorizo meatballs to add a smoky depth. You can switch marinara sauce for a roasted red pepper sauce to introduce a subtle sweetness. Instead of provolone, use mozzarella for a creamier melt or pepper jack for an extra kick. Your sub rolls can be replaced with toasted ciabatta or baguette for a different texture and flavor profile.
Allergies
Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and gluten from sub rolls that may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The Italian-style meatballs could contain eggs or wheat as binding agents, which are also allergens to consider. If you have food allergies, it's important to check ingredient specifics or request allergen information from the restaurant before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Firehouse Meatball from Firehouse Subs features hearty, flavorful Italian meatballs simmered in a robust marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses that create a rich, satisfying texture. The sub's warm, toasted hoagie roll adds a perfect crunch that complements the savory filling, making every bite memorable. People appreciate the balanced blend of tangy tomato sauce and seasoned meat, offering a comforting taste experience unique to Firehouse Subs. Your copycat attempt lets you recreate this iconic flavor at home, ensuring fresh ingredients and customization to suit personal preferences.