The Best Meatball Sliders Recipe (+Video)
Marci LoehnerLooking for the ultimate slider recipe to impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings? These Meatball Sliders are the perfect choice! With juicy meatballs, melty mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls, these sliders are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to your taste.
Whether you're serving them for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a casual dinner, these sliders will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Related: Instant Pot Chipotle Pulled Pork Sliders
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, make sure to heat them through before placing them in the sliders. This way, they’ll be fully cooked and ready to melt into that gooey cheese.
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or when hosting a party.
What kind of sauce should I use?
You can use spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, pizza sauce or any tomato-based sauce you love. For extra flavor, try a garlic or basil-infused marinara sauce!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is the classic choice for meatball sliders, you can swap it with provolone, cheddar, or even parmesan for a unique twist.
How do I keep my sliders from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, be sure to toast the slider rolls with the garlic butter first. Also, don’t overfill with sauce—just a spoonful per meatball will give the right balance of flavor without making the rolls too soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella is pure comfort food.
- Effortless: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these sliders come together quickly, even on busy nights.
- Customizable: Use homemade or store-bought meatballs, add extra seasonings, or swap out the cheese for your favorite variety!
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or family meals—everyone will love these cheesy, meaty sliders.
Ingredients For Meatball Sliders
- 12 small meatballs (store-bought or homemade) - I used my Homemade Turkey Meatball recipe!
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- ½ cup spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced into 12 pieces
- 1 pack of 12 ct. King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make The Best Meatball Sliders Recipe
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic salt. Set it aside.
Prepare the Sliders:
Using a sharp pairing knife cut a whole in the the King’s Hawaiian Rolls, keeping them intact as one large piece. Carefully cut a hole in each of the individual slider rolls, pulling out some of the bread so there’s space for the meatball. This will ensure that the meatball fits snugly in each slider.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
Brush the inside of each slider (and the top) generously with the garlic butter mixture. The butter not only adds flavor but also helps keep the sliders soft and delicious after baking.
Assemble the Sliders:
Place one meatball in each slider, followed by a spoonful of spaghetti sauce (or marinara) and a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball. If you’re using store-bought frozen meatballs, be sure to heat them up first before placing them in the rolls.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sliders are golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish the sliders with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy these irresistible bites!
Notes:
- Frozen Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, make sure they are fully cooked and heated through before placing them in the slider rolls. You can also make homemade meatballs for an extra special touch!
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to add other toppings like parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra flavor boost!
These Meatball Sliders are the perfect combo of cheesy, savory, and irresistible, all packed into a soft, sweet roll. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or just indulging on a cozy night in, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Grab your King’s Hawaiian Rolls, and get ready to make the best sliders ever! 🧀🍞
