Meatball Sandwich Slices

• 2-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 unsliced loaf (1 pound) Italian bread
• 12 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each) , thawed
• 1 jar (14 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
• Pickled pepper rings, optional

1. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper; set aside. Cut loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Cut a 2-in.-wide strip down the center of each half to within an inch of the bottom of the bread. Remove cut portion and save for another use. If desired, toast bread under the broiler until lightly browned.
2. Spread the cut side of bread with cheese mixture. Place six meatballs in each half; top with spaghetti sauce. Place on a
3. . Bake at 400u0b0 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cut into slices; top with pepper rings if desired.

mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, garlic, salt, italian bread, italian meatballs, spaghetti sauce, pepper

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/meatball-sandwich-slices/ (may not work)