Meatball Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Meatball sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or casual gatherings. These bite-sized sandwiches combine tender meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese inside soft whole-wheat buns.

Ingredients

• 12 whole-wheat slider buns (1 package)
• 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
• 12 cooked meatballs
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the whole-wheat slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Place one cooked meatball on each bun bottom, then spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Brush this mixture over the top buns, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a slice of pepperoni or sautéed onions under the cheese before baking.
• Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the buns crispy and cheese melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

Can I freeze meatball sliders?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled sliders before baking in a wrapped airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Meatball Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

These delicious Meatball Sliders are perfect for a quick and tasty meal or party appetizer. Made with whole-wheat slider buns, savory cooked meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, they are baked to perfection with a flavorful olive oil and herb topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, these sliders deliver gooey cheese, rich meatball flavor, and a crispy bun for an irresistible handheld treat.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Slider Ingredients

• 12 whole-wheat slider buns (1 package)
• 12 cooked meatballs
• 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Topping Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the sliders, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for toasting and melting.
2. Prepare the buns: Slice the whole-wheat slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves evenly in a baking dish so they form a base for the sliders.
3. Warm marinara sauce and assemble meatballs: Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Place one cooked meatball on each bun bottom, then spoon warmed marinara sauce generously over each meatball.
4. Add cheese and top buns: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced meatballs. Place the top halves of the slider buns on each slider to cover them.
5. Prepare herb oil mixture and brush buns: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Brush this flavorful mixture evenly over the top buns. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to start melting and the meatballs to heat through.
7. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the buns on top are lightly toasted to a golden brown.

Notes

• Use cooked meatballs for convenience; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Make sure the marinara sauce is warmed through to keep the sliders hot and flavorful.
• Brush the herb mixture generously on the buns for best flavor and a nice golden finish.
• Covering the sliders while baking traps heat and helps melt the cheese thoroughly without drying out the buns.
• Feel free to add sliced peppers or onions under the cheese for extra veggie goodness.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Keywords: meatball sliders, easy appetizers, baked sliders, whole wheat buns, party food, cheeseballs, marinara sauce