Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These meatball parmesan sliders are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a cozy family dinner, or planning game day snacks, these sliders fit the bill. The combination of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and buttery rolls creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Flavor Explosion: The rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese create a deliciously satisfying bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these sliders are sure to impress your friends and family with their taste and presentation.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the sliders with different cheeses or sauces to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or snack—these sliders fit any part of your day.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these scrumptious sliders, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass (for pressing down the rolls)
- Basting brush
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface that allows for even cooking and easy transport of your sliders.
- Small glass: Perfect for creating space in the Hawaiian rolls without damaging them.
- Basting brush: Ensures even distribution of garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
These meatball parmesan sliders are made with cocktail meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce baked in garlic butter brushed Hawaiian rolls for a super easy and delicious dinner.
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 the 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: Place Meatballs
Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Melt More Cheese
Add the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top 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
Serving Meatball Parmesan Sliders can be a fun and creative experience. These delicious sliders are versatile and can cater to various tastes, making them perfect for any occasion.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: Serve warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It enhances the flavor and adds extra moisture.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm sliders.
- Spicy Ketchup: Add a kick with spicy ketchup for those who love heat.
Create a Slider Platter
- Variety of Toppings: Offer toppings like jalapeños, sliced onions, or extra cheese so guests can customize their sliders.
- Fresh Veggies: Include a fresh vegetable platter with carrots, celery, and bell peppers to balance the meal.
Serve with Drinks
- Sparkling Water: Keep it simple with sparkling water that refreshes without overpowering the flavors.
- Craft Beer: Choose a light craft beer that complements the savory sliders for adult gatherings.
Garnish Elegantly
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top of each slider before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Cheese Shavings: Add shavings of aged parmesan on top for an extra touch of gourmet flair.
How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Making Meatball Parmesan Sliders is easy, but there are ways to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality meatballs make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your sliders while baking to avoid burning, especially due to the butter.
- Customize Your Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone or fontina for unique flavors.
- Let Them Rest: Allow sliders to cool slightly after baking. This helps set up the ingredients and makes them easier to eat.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Pairing sides with your Meatball Parmesan Sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some perfect options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing; serve warm garlic bread to soak up any sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast and pair well with the savory sliders.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the sliders.
- Baked Zucchini Chips: Healthy and crunchy, these chips add texture without being heavy.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make a great appetizer alongside these sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Meatball Parmesan Sliders even better.
- Skipping the garlic butter: This adds flavor to the rolls. Always brush the inside and outside for a rich taste.
- Overcrowding the sliders: If you add too many ingredients, they may not cook evenly. Stick to the recipe portions for best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect melting cheese.
- Using cold meatballs: Cold meatballs won’t meld with the cheese properly. Warm them up before adding to your sliders for optimal texture.
- Forgetting to watch them while baking: The butter can cause them to burn quickly. Keep an eye on your sliders towards the end of baking time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These sliders will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one slider at a time for about 30-45 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Meatball Parmesan Sliders.
What are Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Meatball Parmesan Sliders are small sandwiches made with cocktail meatballs, mozzarella, and tomato sauce baked in buttery Hawaiian rolls.
Can I use homemade meatballs for my sliders?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add extra flavor and make your Meatball Parmesan Sliders even more delicious.
How can I customize my Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions, or use different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for variety.
Are Meatball Parmesan Sliders suitable for parties?
Yes! They make great appetizers or snacks at any gathering and are easy to serve and eat.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything and assemble them just before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or parties.
Final Thoughts
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delightful blend of flavors that offer comfort food at its best. Their easy preparation makes them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize with different ingredients to suit your taste!
Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Meatball Parmesan Sliders, a perfect combination of tender meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and buttery Hawaiian rolls. These mini sandwiches are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making them ideal for casual family dinners, game day snacks, or vibrant gatherings with friends. With their rich tomato sauce and savory toppings, these sliders are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cooked cocktail meatballs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4–1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup 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 into the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through the bottom.
- Use a small glass or your fingers to create deeper spaces in the rolls.
- Brush garlic butter on the inside and outside of the rolls and toast them in the oven for about 4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add a spoonful of tomato sauce and a piece of mozzarella cheese into each roll.
- Place warmed meatballs on top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
