Meatball Sliders Recipe
These Italian Meatball Sliders are a quick and easy way to deliver big flavor to any table, whether it’s a game day, having friends over, or just a fun weekday dinner!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
When you take that first bite of meatball sliders, you experience the softness of the bun, the tang of the tomato sauce, and the mozzarella cheese mellows everything out… and then that super delicious meatball. Holy smokes!!
Sliders may be one of the quintessential food items for any gathering. Whether that is just family, a game day weekend, or even a birthday party, sliders are a delicious way to feed a crowd.
We love sliders here. We have made several different kinds over the years, and all are simple and crazy delicious.
It didn’t occur to us, though, until recently, that our meatballs would be perfect for this slider recipe.
Leigh does a beautiful job when she channels her Italian heritage and slams something amazing out. Her meatballs are so good.
When the Super Bowl was coming up, we were thinking about what we were going to prepare. I am always about some roast beef sliders and/or smoked chicken wings.
She suggested that we make meatball sliders. Conversation over!
A Note About Meatballs
You can approach this in two ways with your meatballs. You can purchase store-bought or make them yourself.
We highly recommend that you make them. Our Italian meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and ground pork, not just ground beef, which makes them exceptionally tender.
You can even make them the day before and use them the next day for an easier time.
You can find a link to the recipe here or in the recipe card below. But for the sake of this recipe, here are the ingredients you will need to make the meatballs.
Key Ingredients
- Slider buns (12) – Choose your favorite.
- Meatballs – You can use frozen meatballs, your own recipe, or try ours! We highly recommend making them yourself. They will taste so much better than pre-made meatballs.
- Mozzarella cheese – You can use pre-sliced or slice your own. You can also use Provolone cheese.
- Marinara sauce – Use fresh-made or store-bought favorite sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – We prefer Pecorino Romano. Use good-quality Parmesan cheese, not the stuff in the green can.
Simple ingredients coming together to make some fabulous cheesy meatball sliders. YES!
How To Make Meatball Sliders
Prepare the meatballs according to the directions and set them aside. If you’re using store-bought, add the sauce and meatballs to a pan and heat for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
When it comes to quick and easy, fun party food, meatball sliders are a great way to go. They’re easy to prepare, and they’re freaking good!
So, if you’re looking for something quick and easy that delivers big flavors, give this super-easy meatball and parmesan sliders recipe a try!
The melty cheese, the tender, juicy meatballs … it’s the perfect bite! The whole family will gobble them up!
Tips
- Use freshly made or quality store-bought meatballs for the best flavor and texture.
- Lightly toast the buns before assembling if you want them extra crispy.
- To prevent soggy bottoms, don’t overdo the sauce—just a spoonful per bun is plenty.
- Brush the tops generously with the butter mixture for that golden, flavorful finish.
- These are best served fresh but can be assembled ahead and baked right before serving.
Variations
- Meat – You can lighten it up by using ground turkey or chicken.
- Add More Flavor – Toss in some garlic powder in the melted butter to make tasty garlic butter for the tops of the buns. Top the meatball with fresh basil.
- Add Some Heat – A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the meatballs will give you a hit of spiciness.
FAQs
Yes, this recipe calls for cooked and warmed meatballs. When you are ready to serve, heat the meatballs and sauce thoroughly, then proceed with the recipe.
Do not assemble them in advance. The bread will get soggy. However, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time.
They are perfect served alone or as an appetizer. You can also serve them with a salad, chips, French fries, or even a pasta salad.
Other Delicious Slider Recipes
Meatball Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Meatballs
- 12 Slider buns
- 2 cups Tomato sauce Your favorite
- 12 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Butter melted
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs as per instructions. If using store-bought, add sauce and meatballs to a pan and heat for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut slider buns so you have tops and bottoms.
- Place bottoms in a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Place 6 slices of mozzarella cheese down on the slider buns, covering them.
- Add a dab of marinara sauce on each slider bun bottom
- Add a meatball to each slider bun bottom
- Add a dab of marinara sauce on top of the meatball
- Add remaining 6 slices of mozzarella cheese, covering all the meatballs
- Place tops of slider buns on top
- Melt the butter and add the Italian seasoning to it
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns
- Top buns with parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10-12 minutes
- Remove aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until buns are golden and cheese is melting
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes
- Serve and enjoy!