Meatball Sliders Recipe: Easy & Delicious Appetizer or Dinner
Craving a fantastic meatball sub experience without the fuss? You’re going to absolutely adore these Meatball Sliders! This is a simplified meatball recipe that requires just a handful of common ingredients, transforming them into a delectable and effortless dinner recipe or a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for sharing at your next game day gathering.
Imagine juicy, savory meatballs nestled snugly inside soft, pillowy rolls – it’s practically a bite-sized meatball sub, but reinvented in a fun and exciting way. These sliders offer your guests a satisfying protein-packed treat, even while they’re cheering on their favorite teams during the big game.
These pull-apart meatball sliders are an amazing recipe for keeping dinner fun and interactive for the entire family. They can easily be turned into a complete and satisfying meal by pairing them with your preferred side dishes. It is one of the most reliable easy recipes that you can count on to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Scrumptious Meatball Sliders
- Rolls: We highly recommend using Kings Hawaiian sweet rolls for their perfect size and subtle sweetness.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter that’s melted for an extra rich flavor.
- Seasonings: You’ll need minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is ideal for these easy meatball sliders, plus Parmesan cheese for that delightful topping.
- Meat: Grab your favorite pre-cooked frozen classic meatballs. Make sure they are fully thawed before starting.
- Sauce: A jar of your favorite pasta sauce works perfectly as the base for this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Assemble and Bake Your Meatball Sliders
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place the bottoms of the rolls directly onto the prepared baking dish. Carefully cut a circular hole on the tops of each roll, removing approximately 1 tablespoon of the center of the roll. This will create enough space to fit a meatball snugly in the center, allowing it to stick out just a little.
To create the garlic butter, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder in a small bowl. Generously brush this flavorful mixture over the tops and inside of all the rolls.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly into all of the prepared rolls.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed meatballs with your jar of pasta sauce. Stir well to ensure that all the meatballs are completely coated in the sauce.
Carefully place each saucy meatball into the prepared holes in the rolls. Brush any remaining pasta sauce from the bowl generously over the tops of the meatballs.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the meatballs and rolls.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Proper Storage Tips for Leftover Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Fridge: Carefully wrap any leftover meatball sliders individually in aluminum foil. Then, depending on the quantity of leftovers, place them in either an airtight container or a large resealable ziplock bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Crafting the Best Meatball Sliders Recipe
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! If you have a cherished homemade meatball recipe that you enjoy making, feel free to use it. However, if you want to save time and effort, using pre-cooked frozen classic or Italian meatballs can simplify the entire process, especially during a busy weeknight.
Fresh or frozen meatballs?
For this meatball sliders recipe, you can certainly utilize frozen meatballs, provided that they are completely thawed before assembling the sliders. If you’re short on time, you can quickly cook them in an air fryer. It’s crucial to avoid placing frozen meatballs directly into the sweet Hawaiian rolls, as they may not cook all the way through during the baking process.
The Best Sauce Choices for Meatball Sliders
While homemade marinara sauce undeniably elevates the flavor profile of these sliders, using a jar of your favorite store-bought sauce is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative. However, it’s advisable to avoid sauces with excessively chunky textures, as they might overcrowd the Hawaiian roll and detract from the overall eating experience.
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Meatball Sliders Recipe
Julia Pacheco
10
minutes
30
minutes
40
minutes
6
servings
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Ingredients
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12
count
Hawaiian rolls