Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation with these irresistible Meatball Roll-Ups! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs snuggled up in a warm, golden crescent roll, smothered in marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This dish is comforting, playful, and totally crowd-pleasing—perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or anytime you want a little taste of pure joy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, these roll-ups bring together all the flavors we adore in a classic Italian dish, but in the most fun and snackable form.

Meatball Roll-Ups! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Meatball Roll-Ups! comes from a handful of humble ingredients, each one working its own little miracle to create layers of flavor and texture. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll be on your way to cheesy, saucy perfection.

Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is your golden, pillowy base that wraps everything up and adds a buttery crunch.
Fully Cooked Meatballs: Store-bought or homemade, these are the heart of every roll-up, juicy and seasoned to perfection.
Marinara Sauce: Provides that classic, tangy tomato richness that pulls the entire dish together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For irresistible cheesiness and melt factor—don’t be shy with it!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that takes the flavor up a notch.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green makes every bite feel bright and fresh.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Brushed on for that shiny, bakery-style finish and a touch of richness.
Italian Seasoning (optional): For an herbal kick, lightly sprinkle over the roll-ups before baking.

How to Make Meatball Roll-Ups!

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out your crescent roll dough triangles on a clean surface. If you’re using frozen meatballs, make sure they’re thawed and ready to go, since this lets everything bake up evenly and avoids any cold centers.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups

On each crescent roll triangle, add a spoonful of marinara sauce at the wide end, then nestle a meatball right on top. Sprinkle a pinch of shredded mozzarella over the meatball and sauce—it’ll melt into glorious gooeyness! Starting at the wide end, gently roll the dough up around the meatball, keeping as much of the sauce and cheese tucked inside as you can.

Step 3: Arrange and Add Finishing Touches

Place each assembled roll-up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to let them puff up and turn golden. Brush each roll lightly with olive oil or melted butter for extra flavor and color. If you like, top with a quick sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a dusting of grated Parmesan to really dial up the aroma.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 13–16 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling out in little pockets. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t get too dark. The kitchen will smell heavenly—resist the urge to dive in immediately!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the Meatball Roll-Ups! cool for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a platter. Finish them with a fresh sprinkling of chopped parsley or basil, another flourish of Parmesan if you wish, and serve with a side of warm marinara for dipping. Now you’re ready to wow your guests or just treat yourself!

How to Serve Meatball Roll-Ups!

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil can make these Meatball Roll-Ups! look restaurant-worthy. Try a light drizzle of olive oil or even a few flakes of red pepper if you want a kick of heat.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups are super versatile: serve them alongside a crisp green salad dressed in zesty Italian vinaigrette, a batch of garlic roasted broccoli, or classic spaghetti for a fun twist on spaghetti and meatballs. A small bowl of extra marinara is always a hit for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Meatball Roll-Ups! onto a big wooden board for sharing, scatter with colorful herbs, and tuck in toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. For dinner, pair with family-style sides and a pitcher of lemonade. Or, for a game-day vibe, nestle them in cupcake liners on a platter so everyone gets their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Meatball Roll-Ups! in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess, and consider adding a paper towel to help absorb moisture. These are one of those leftovers that reheat surprisingly well!

Freezing

Meatball Roll-Ups! freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll be good for up to two months—great for a busy-night lifesaver.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the roll-ups on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, until heated through and the crust is crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven truly brings back that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite meatball recipe, go for it. Just shape them a bit smaller than usual so they fit nicely inside the crescent rolls. Homemade meatballs add a special touch and let you control the seasoning.

What type of marinara sauce works best?

Both store-bought and homemade sauces work great in Meatball Roll-Ups! Look for a sauce that’s thick enough to not leak out during baking. Classic marinara or even a robust arrabbiata is delicious if you like a little more heat.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Try using your favorite plant-based meatballs and make sure your crescent roll dough is vegetarian-friendly. The flavors still shine and everyone can enjoy a bite-sized treat.

Can I prepare Meatball Roll-Ups! ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the roll-ups a few hours ahead, cover the tray tightly, and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be chilled.

Do these work for parties or potlucks?

They’re perfect for parties! Meatball Roll-Ups! are easy to make in big batches, portable, and loved by kids and adults alike. Serve with toothpicks and a bowl of warm marinara for the ultimate finger food.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like pure comfort (and is just plain fun to eat), you have to give Meatball Roll-Ups! a try. They’re simple, sensational, and sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces—so roll up your sleeves and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!