Meatball Sliders Recipe: How To Make The Ultimate Meatball Sliders?
Discover the ultimate meatball sliders recipe! These mini sandwiches combine tender meatballs, tangy marinara, gooey mozzarella, and buttery rolls. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a comforting family meal—ready in just 30 minutes!
Equipment
- baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Pastry Brush
- Mixing Bowls
- Sharp Knife
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 cooked meatballs
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. This ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your sliders. To prevent sticking, butter a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside while preparing the sliders.
- Prepare the Rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls intact as a single sheet. This makes assembly easier and ensures even layers. Place the bottom halves of the rolls into the prepared baking dish, making sure they fit snugly.
- Assemble the Sliders: Take your cooked meatballs and place one on each roll, aligning them neatly. Using a spoon, add a generous amount of marinara sauce over each meatball, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs, covering each one for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, creating a flavorful glaze for the rolls.
- Top and Butter the Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the assembled meatballs and cheese, aligning them carefully. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, using a pastry brush to ensure complete coverage. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the rolls achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s loosely tented to avoid sticking to the rolls. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes. This helps the layers set and makes them easier to handle. Carefully slice the sliders into individual portions using a sharp knife. Serve them warm to savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Notes
- Use Fresh Meatballs: Homemade meatballs bring out the best flavors in this recipe, offering a tender and juicy texture. However, if you're short on time, store-bought meatballs are a convenient and reliable alternative.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with swapping mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each option brings a unique flavor that complements the sliders beautifully.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a bit of heat. This tweak allows you to adjust the marinara sauce to your preference.
- Enhance with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil, parsley, or oregano over the sliders before baking to elevate the aroma and flavor profile.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick of heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the meatballs or incorporate chili flakes into the butter mixture.
- Crunchy Additions: Add thinly sliced onions or a handful of crispy breadcrumbs to introduce a satisfying crunch to your sliders.