Save Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
I first served this to my family during a holiday party and it was an instant hit with everyone asking for seconds
Ingredients
- Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sliders: 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Step 3:
- Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4:
- Bake meatballs for 15 18 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
- Step 5:
- Lower oven temperature to 350℉ (175℃).
- Step 6:
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place the bottom halves in a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 7:
- Spoon half the marinara sauce over the bun bottoms. Place a meatball on each bun.
- Step 8:
- Top each meatball with remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Step 9:
- Place the bun tops over the cheese.
- Step 10:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the tops of the buns.
- Step 11:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
- Step 12:
- Serve warm.
Save My family always gathers around the table to enjoy these sliders together during the holidays which creates wonderful memories
Notes
Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Baking sheet, 9x13 inch baking dish, Small bowl and pastry brush, Knife
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (buns, breadcrumbs), Eggs, Milk (mozzarella, Parmesan, butter). Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies
Save These meatball sliders are perfect for gatherings and easy to customize for different tastes
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I substitute beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives to beef for a lighter option.
- → How do I get the buns crispy without drying out the meatballs?
Brushing the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley before baking helps achieve a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping meatballs juicy.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Meatballs can be baked in advance and assembled just before baking the sliders to keep buns fresh and toppings melted.
- → What cheese pairs best with meatballs in these sliders?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality and mild flavor that complements the marinara and meatballs.
- → Are there suggested beverage pairings?
A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a festive punch can enhance the flavors and balance richness.