Easy Christmas Meatball Sliders

Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite at our holiday parties, loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Sliders: 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.

Step 3:

Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4:

Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes, until cooked through and browned.

Step 5:

Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6:

Slice slider buns in half horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 7:

Spoon half the marinara sauce over the bun bottoms. Place a meatball on each bun.

Step 8:

Top each meatball with remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

Step 9:

Place the bun tops over the cheese.

Step 10:

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the tops of the buns.

Step 11:

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden.

Step 12:

Serve warm.

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This dish always brings my family together, especially around the holidays when everyone is eager for something warm and satisfying.

Notes

Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch for the perfect celebration.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, 9x13-inch baking dish, small bowl and pastry brush, knife

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (buns, breadcrumbs), Eggs, Milk (mozzarella, Parmesan, butter). Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

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Enjoy these sliders fresh out of the oven for the best experience.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of meat works best for the meatballs?

Ground beef provides rich flavor and juiciness, but ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives without sacrificing taste.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake to save time during gatherings.

→ How should I store leftover sliders?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the cheese melted and buns soft.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Light salads, roasted vegetables, or a festive punch complement the hearty meatball sliders wonderfully.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh parsley in the butter topping?

Fresh parsley enhances the flavor and aroma, but dried parsley can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.