Meatball Sliders
Craving a delicious snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Meatball sliders are the perfect solution! These mini sandwiches feature savory meatballs topped with tangy sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns. Quick to make and customizable, they’re ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 10 slider buns
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 10 sliders. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, followed by a cooking time of 25 minutes, totaling 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slider): approximately 250 calories, 15g fat, 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
6. In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
7. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and coat well.
8. Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a serving platter.
9. Spoon a meatball onto the bottom half of each bun.
10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the top half of the bun over the cheese.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Gluten-free bread crumbs can be substituted to make this dish gluten-free. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like jalapeños for an extra kick.
Serving and Pairings
Meatball sliders pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad. They also go well with classic condiments like ketchup and mustard, or you can serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatball sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs separately for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meatball mixture can make them tough.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the cheese can result in a less flavorful slider.
- Using stale bread crumbs may affect the texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the taste.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let sliders cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
- Consider using a slow cooker for keeping sliders warm at parties.
FAQs
Can I make meatball sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge and assemble the sliders when ready to serve.
What type of meat works best for meatballs?
Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken also works well. Choose lean meat for healthier options.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure you have enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as this can make them tough.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! Store-bought meatballs can be a time-saver; just heat them in sauce and assemble the sliders.
What toppings can I add to meatball sliders?
You can add pickles, jalapeños, or sautéed onions. A drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce can elevate the flavor.
Conclusion
Meatball sliders are a delightful treat that brings together flavors and textures in a tiny, satisfying package. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, these sliders are easy to make and customize. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll impress your friends and family with this delicious dish!

Meatball Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 10 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and coat well.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a serving platter.
- Spoon a meatball onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the top half of the bun over the cheese.