Name: Meatball Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package savory butter Hawaiian rolls; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 12 frozen meatballs; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Introduction

These Meatball Sliders are a flavorful and fun appetizer or snack, perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Soft Hawaiian rolls are filled with cheesy meatballs and a touch of marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly and delicious.

A white plate holds seven fluffy bread rolls, each topped with a swirl of red tomato sauce and sprinkled with shredded white cheese. The bread rolls are golden brown at the edges and soft in the middle, slightly square-shaped with rounded corners. The tomato sauce sits in the center of each roll, thick and rich with some green herbs mixed in. The cheese is scattered unevenly, melting slightly but still visible as distinct strands. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with part of a blue and white striped cloth napkin visible at the right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package savory butter Hawaiian rolls
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 frozen meatballs
1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the rolls from the package and carefully cut a small circle out of the center of each bun using a knife, pressing down to create a hole on the top.
Step 2: Brush both the top and inside of each bun with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the top.
Step 3: Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese inside each hole you made in the buns.
Step 4: Press one frozen meatball into the center of each bun, on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over each meatball.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each meatball and bun top.
Step 7: Arrange the sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top after baking for a fresh flavor boost.
Substitute marinara with your favorite pasta sauce or a spicy arrabbiata for a different twist.
For extra gooey sliders, add a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese beneath the mozzarella.
If you prefer a crispier bun, toast the sliders briefly under the broiler after baking.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore the melted cheese and warmth. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of golden brown soft rolls arranged in a white box, each roll topped with a round layer of deep red tomato sauce, sprinkled with melted white shredded cheese and small green herb bits, sitting on a rustic dark tray with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible on the side, the rolls are fluffy with a light crust and the toppings add a fresh, rich texture. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cooked meatballs work well. Make sure they are fully cooked before assembling the sliders and adjust the baking time as needed to heat everything through.

Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders ahead and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.