Pin Recipe Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
These sliders quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, loved by kids and adults alike for their gooey cheese and flavorful meatballs.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
- Lower Oven Temperature:
- Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Buns:
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders:
- Spoon half the marinara sauce over the bun bottoms. Place a meatball on each bun.
- Add Toppings:
- Top each meatball with remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with Tops:
- Place the bun tops over the cheese.
- Prepare Butter Mix:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the tops of the buns.
- Bake Sliders:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
- Serve:
- Serve warm.
Pin Recipe This recipe has created many happy family moments around our holiday table, sparking laughter and delicious memories.
Notes
Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch for a complete holiday experience.
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.
Pin Recipe These meatball sliders are sure to be the star of your holiday spread and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of meat works best for these sliders?
Ground beef is traditional for juicy flavor and texture, but ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option.
- → How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
Layering marinara sauce and melting cheese quickly in the oven ensures buns stay soft yet not soggy. Brushing tops with garlic butter adds moisture without getting soggy.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and shape meatballs in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before assembling sliders for fresh taste.
- → What cheeses complement the meatballs best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and pairs well with marinara, while Parmesan inside meatballs adds savory depth.
- → What wine pairs well with these sliders?
A light red wine such as Pinot Noir complements the savory meat and tangy sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the sliders?
Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or over the marinara to introduce heat that balances the rich cheese and meat.