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