Mini Meatball Sliders

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Introduction

Mini Meatball Sliders are bite-sized sandwiches packed with tender, juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and savory sauce, all tucked inside soft slider buns. These sliders are a hit at parties, game days, or family dinners, offering a comforting and flavorful experience in every bite. With their compact size and big taste, Mini Meatball Sliders are perfect for sharing and easy to customize with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings.

I remember the first time I made these for a family game night. The table was filled with laughter and excitement as everyone grabbed a slider, and they quickly became the star of the evening. What’s great about Mini Meatball Sliders is how versatile they are—you can use marinara sauce for an Italian twist, barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor, or even a spicy chili sauce for a kick. The cheese options are endless too, from classic mozzarella to sharp cheddar or creamy provolone.

These sliders are surprisingly simple to make. With pre-made or homemade meatballs, soft slider buns, and your favorite sauces and cheeses, you can assemble and bake them in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, prepare a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or whip up a fun family meal, Mini Meatball Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Parties and gatherings
• Game-day snacks
• Weeknight dinners
• Potlucks and picnics
• Kid-friendly meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Mini Meatball Sliders will become your new go-to:

• Juicy, Tender Meatballs: The meatballs are seasoned to perfection and cooked until juicy and flavorful.
• Versatile Toppings: Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses, sauces, and garnishes.
• Perfect for Sharing: Small, hand-held sliders are great for any occasion.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for stress-free assembly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Everyone loves these savory, cheesy sliders!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Mini Meatball Sliders:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
• 6 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese, halved
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Meat: Use ground beef or turkey for tender, flavorful meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist.
• Garlic and Herbs: Adds bold, savory flavor to the meatballs.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Slider Buns: Soft buns are ideal for holding the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

Assemble the Sliders:

4. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half. Arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.
5. Add the Meatballs: Place one meatball on each bun bottom. Top each meatball with a spoonful of marinara sauce and half a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese.
6. Top with Buns: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.

Bake the Sliders:

7. Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the buns.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sliders for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly golden.

Serve and Garnish:

9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve

• As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• For a Game Day Feast: Serve alongside chips, dips, and other finger foods.
• With Extra Sauce: Offer extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

• For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
• Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
• Toast the slider buns lightly for extra texture.
• Keep the sliders warm in the oven on low heat if serving later.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Meatball Sliders: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the meatball mixture.
2. Cheddar BBQ Sliders: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and mozzarella for cheddar cheese.
3. Greek-Inspired Sliders: Use ground lamb, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese.
4. Vegetarian Sliders: Substitute meatballs with plant-based options.
5. Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Use ground chicken for the meatballs and top with Parmesan cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Meatballs: Freeze cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Refrigerate assembled sliders for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, cook the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
2. Can I use store-bought meatballs? Absolutely! Choose your favorite pre-made meatballs for convenience.
3. Can I use gluten-free buns? Yes, gluten-free buns work perfectly for this recipe.
4. Can I make these dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the Parmesan.
5. How do I keep sliders warm for a party? Keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F/90°C) until ready to serve.

Print

Conclusion

Mini Meatball Sliders are a delightful combination of tender, juicy meatballs, savory sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked inside soft slider buns. These bite-sized treats pack big flavors and are perfect for everything from casual dinners to party appetizers.

Easy to prepare and fun to eat, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Customize them with your favorite toppings, like fresh basil, garlic butter, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, for an extra touch of flavor. Whether served as a main dish or a shareable snack, Mini Meatball Sliders are a guaranteed hit.

I’d love to see your Mini Meatball Slider creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious sliders. Happy cooking!