Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and fun twist on a classic Italian favorite. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Soft Hawaiian rolls filled with savory meatballs, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce make every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 24 Kings Hawaiian Rolls (2 12-pack packages)
• 24 meatballs (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: Make the garlic butter by combining the softened butter, fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until fully blended.
3. Step 3: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls snugly in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a hole out of the center of each roll.
4. Step 4: Brush the tops and the inside edges of each hole with the prepared garlic butter evenly. Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes to melt the butter and toast the rolls slightly. Remove from the oven.
5. Step 5: Mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheese together. Place half of this cheese mixture into the hole of each roll. Then, stuff a meatball on top of the cheese, add a small spoonful of marinara sauce over the meatball, and sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture on top of the sliders.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese has melted and started to bubble.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, substitute your favorite meatball recipe or add sliced pepperoni inside each slider.
• You can add a slice of provolone cheese for a different cheesy texture and taste.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Add a few fresh basil leaves inside each slider after baking for a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover sliders covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350˚F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individually until heated through. For best results, avoid soggy rolls by reheating in the oven instead of the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh homemade meatballs work wonderfully and can enhance the flavor. Just be sure they are cooked through before assembling the sliders.

Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to save time.

Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack featuring soft Kings Hawaiian rolls stuffed with cheesy meatballs, marinara sauce, and a flavorful garlic butter spread. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they’re baked to gooey, melty perfection with a golden, toasted top.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 sliders 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sliders

• 24 Kings Hawaiian Rolls (2 12-pack packages)
• 24 meatballs (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Garlic Butter Spread

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
2. Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Toast rolls: Arrange the 24 Kings Hawaiian rolls closely together in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut out a small hole from the center of each roll to create space for the filling. Brush the tops and the inside edges of the holes with the garlic butter mixture evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes to toast the rolls lightly and melt the butter. Remove the pan from the oven.
4. Assemble sliders: Combine the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Place half of this cheese mixture into each hole in the rolls. Then, place one meatball on top of the cheese in each roll’s hole. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce over each meatball. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops of all the sliders.
5. Bake to finish: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are heated through, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

• You can use either fresh or frozen meatballs; just ensure frozen meatballs are fully cooked before assembling.
• For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.
• These sliders are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to preserve the cheesy texture.
• If you prefer, substitute gluten-free rolls to make the sliders gluten-free.
• Use a serrated knife carefully when cutting holes in the rolls to avoid tearing the bread.

Keywords: Meatball sliders, Parmesan sliders, party appetizer, Hawaiian rolls, cheesy meatballs, baked sliders, easy party food