Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These meatball parmesan sliders are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or wanting a fun snack for family movie night, these sliders bring flavor and ease to your table. With juicy cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and savory garlic butter brushed Hawaiian rolls, every bite is a delightful treat. Plus, they come together quickly and easily, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These sliders are easy to assemble and bake in under 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of meatballs, cheese, and garlic butter creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or snack for any gathering.
- Kid-Friendly Option: The sliders are small and packed with flavors that kids love.
- Easy Cleanup: Using just one baking dish means less hassle after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
To make these meatball parmesan sliders efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your preparation process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass or shot glass
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly toasted sliders.
- Small glass or shot glass: Helps create the perfect space in the rolls for filling without tearing them.
- Basting brush: Makes it easy to apply garlic butter evenly across the rolls for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
These meatball parmesan sliders are simple yet delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sliders
- 1 pkg Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cocktail Meatballs (cooked)
- 1/4 c Tomato sauce
- 1/4-1/2 c mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- 4 tbs butter
- 1 tbs Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic butter
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
First, cut small, deep circles into the center of each of the Hawaiian rolls without cutting through to the bottom.
Step 2: Create Space in Rolls
Now using your fingers or the bottom of a small glass (like a shot glass), push down the center to create a bit of a bigger space.
Step 3: Brush with Garlic Butter
Then brush the top and inside of the rolls with garlic butter and bake them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 4 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Now, add a little bit of tomato sauce to the center of each hole and add a small piece of mozzarella cheese into each one.
Step 5: Include Meatballs
Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Top with More Cheese
Then add the rest of the mozzarella cheese and place them in a 400 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them; they can burn easily because of the butter.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let them cool slightly before garnishing with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These meatball parmesan sliders are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Their cheesy, savory goodness makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a game day snack or a casual dinner.
Casual Gatherings
- On a Platter: Serve your sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- With Dipping Sauces: Provide marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Family Dinner
- As a Main Course: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Buffet Style: Set up a buffet where everyone can build their own sliders with additional toppings.
Game Day Parties
- Finger Food: Perfect as finger food during game nights. They’re easy to eat while cheering!
- Mini Slider Bar: Create a mini slider bar with toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or hot sauce.
Kid-Friendly Option
- Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes from the rolls for kids.
- Customize: Let kids choose their own toppings and sauces for a personalized touch.
How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To ensure your meatball parmesan sliders are always a hit, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce can elevate your sliders significantly.
- Don’t Overfill the Rolls: Overfilling can make them messy; keep fillings balanced for easier handling.
- Watch the Oven Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; they can burn quickly due to the butter.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness; use it sparingly to enhance presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your meatball parmesan sliders can enhance your meal experience. Consider these delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the flavors of the sliders and is great for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a great balance to the sliders’ richness.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that everyone loves.
- Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies with dip adds freshness and is perfect for snacking.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These add sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent pairing with savory sliders.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can serve as an elegant side that brings variety to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers sweetness and is refreshing alongside heavier dishes like sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Meatball Parmesan Sliders, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Neglecting the Rolls: Not properly preparing the Hawaiian rolls can lead to soggy sliders. Always create enough space in each roll for the fillings.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold meatballs or cheese can prevent even melting. Make sure your meatballs are warmed before assembling.
- Skipping the Garlic Butter: Forgetting to brush the rolls with garlic butter can result in a less flavorful experience. Always brush generously for that rich taste.
- Overlooking Cooking Time: Baking for too long can burn the cheese and rolls. Keep an eye on them, especially after adding cheese.
- Not Garnishing: Skipping parsley or other garnishes may leave your sliders looking plain. A simple garnish can elevate presentation significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat each slider on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place sliders in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Meatball Parmesan Sliders that might help you out.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Homemade meatballs can add extra flavor. Just ensure they are cooked and warmed before assembly.
How do I make these Meatball Parmesan Sliders healthier?
Consider using lean turkey meatballs and whole grain rolls for a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Can I customize the cheeses used?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix cheeses like provolone or cheddar with mozzarella for varied flavors.
What sides pair well with Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
These sliders go great with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or even a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Meatball Parmesan Sliders offer an irresistible combination of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. They’re not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients or toppings to make this recipe your own!
Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delightful twist on classic comfort food that everyone will love. These savory sliders combine juicy cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella cheese, and rich garlic butter, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for any occasion—be it game day, family movie night, or a casual dinner—these sliders are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Get ready to impress your guests with these cheesy bites that are sure to disappear in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cooked cocktail meatballs
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ to ½ cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut small circles in the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through the bottom.
- Use your fingers or a small glass to create more space in each roll.
- Brush garlic butter inside and on top of the rolls; bake for about 4 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese into each roll.
- Place warmed meatballs inside and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
