Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Introduction
Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners. Soft Hawaiian rolls stuffed with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce create a satisfying bite every time.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
- Step 2: Combine the softened butter, fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes to make the garlic butter. Mix well until fully blended.
- Step 3: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls tightly in a 9×13″ baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of each roll, making enough space for the filling. Brush the tops of the rolls and the inside of each hole with the garlic butter evenly. Bake for 6-8 minutes to toast the rolls and melt the butter, then remove from the oven.
- Step 4: Mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses together. Spoon half of the cheese mixture into each hole of the rolls. Place one meatball on top of the cheese in each hole, then add a dollop of marinara sauce over each meatball. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops of the sliders.
- Step 5: 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 is bubbly. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil leaves on top before serving.
- Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and taste.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through to keep the rolls from becoming soggy. Microwaving is faster but may soften the rolls.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs directly in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Bake them according to package instructions before assembling the sliders, or ensure they are fully cooked during the final baking step.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh before serving to ensure warm, melty cheese and tender rolls.
PrintMeatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal, featuring tender meatballs stuffed into Hawaiian rolls with marinara sauce, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and a flavorful garlic herb butter. Baked until warm and melty, they make the perfect savory slider for gatherings or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Rolls and Meatballs
- 24 Kings Hawaiian Rolls (2 12-pack packages)
- 24 meatballs (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Garlic Herb Butter
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375˚F to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Rolls: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls snugly in a 9×13″ baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut out a small hole in the center of each roll. Brush the tops and sides of these holes evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until the butter melts and the rolls are lightly toasted. Remove from oven.
- Assemble Sliders: Mix mozzarella and parmesan cheese together. Spoon half of the cheese mixture into the holes of each roll. Place a meatball into each hole on top of the cheese, then add a small dollop of marinara sauce over each meatball. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over the tops of all the sliders.
- Bake Sliders: Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen meatballs can be used for convenience; just ensure they are fully cooked before assembling.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil on top before serving.
- These sliders are best served immediately but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- To make it easier to eat, consider securing each slider with a toothpick.
Keywords: Meatball Parmesan Sliders, Hawaiian Rolls, Baked Sliders, Appetizer, Party Food, Cheese Stuffed Roll, Meatballs, Marinara
