Save It 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 our holiday party and it was an instant hit that everyone loved coming back 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°F (200°C). 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°F (175°C).
- 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 It Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these sliders especially during holiday celebrations which create lasting memories.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 270, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 15 g per serving
Save It These sliders are a perfect combination of flavors and textures that bring the festive spirit to your table every time.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative without compromising flavor.
- → How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
Brushing the tops with melted butter and garlic powder before baking helps keep the buns crisp and flavorful.
- → What cheese works best for these sliders?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and pairs well with marinara, but you can try provolone or cheddar for a different twist.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, meatballs can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours before baking to save time.
- → What sides pair well with these sliders?
Light salads, roasted vegetables, or a crisp wine complement the sliders nicely for balanced meals.