These meatball parmesan sliders are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy family dinner. They combine juicy cocktail meatballs with gooey mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, all nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls. This easy recipe guarantees deliciousness with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress without the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can successfully whip up these sliders.
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter, cheese, and seasoned meatballs creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers at gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Kid-Friendly Choice: Kids adore sliders! These are the perfect size for little hands and big appetites.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the toppings or sauces based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious meatball parmesan sliders.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Knife
Mixing bowl
Brush for butter

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and melting of cheese, providing the perfect slider texture.
Knife: Essential for cutting the rolls without damaging them.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like sauces or seasonings before adding them to the sliders.
Brush for butter: Helps spread garlic butter evenly over the rolls for that irresistible 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)

For the Garlic Butter Mixture

4 tbs butter
1 tbs Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic butter

How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Step 1: Cut 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 the 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: Fill with Meatballs

Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Top with More Cheese

Then add the rest of the mozzarella cheese 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 Enjoy

Let them cool slightly before garnishing with parsley (optional) and enjoy your delicious meatball parmesan sliders!

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders

These meatball parmesan sliders are a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Dipping Sauces

Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing that complements the flavors of the sliders.
Ranch Dressing: Offers a cool contrast and adds a creamy element to each bite.
Spicy Mustard: For those who like a kick, spicy mustard enhances the flavor profile.

As Part of a Platter

Charcuterie Board: Include your sliders alongside cheeses, cured meats, and olives for an impressive spread.
Vegetable Tray: Fresh veggies add crunch and color, creating an appealing presentation.

Garnished Creatively

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also freshness to your sliders.
Chili Flakes: For spice lovers, adding chili flakes on top provides extra heat and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders

To ensure your meatball parmesan sliders turn out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rolls and high-quality cheeses will significantly enhance flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the rolls; this helps maintain their structure and prevents spills.
Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the oven to prevent burning; melted cheese is delicious, but burnt cheese is not!
Let Them Rest: Allow the sliders to cool slightly after baking for easier handling and better flavor development.

Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Pairing side dishes with your meatball parmesan sliders can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing balances the richness of the sliders.
Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread complements the Italian flavors in your sliders perfectly.
Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast and crunchy texture that pairs well with savory sliders.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it a great sidekick for hearty sliders.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant yet simple addition to your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit, providing a satisfying crunch alongside your sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Meatball Parmesan Sliders is easy, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Skipping the garlic butter: This adds flavor and moisture. Always brush the rolls with garlic butter before baking.
Overfilling the rolls: Too much filling can make it messy. Ensure you use just enough meatballs, sauce, and cheese to fit comfortably.
Using cold ingredients: Cold cheese or meatballs won’t melt properly. Warm them up before assembling your sliders for best results.
Not monitoring baking time: The sliders can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they don’t get too dark.
Neglecting to garnish: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make sure the sliders have cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Meatball Parmesan Sliders, we’ve got answers!

What type of meatballs should I use for Meatball Parmesan Sliders?

You can use pre-cooked cocktail meatballs or homemade ones. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sliders.

Can I make Meatball Parmesan Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them up to the baking stage, store them in the fridge, and then bake right before serving.

What cheese works best in these sliders?

Mozzarella is perfect due to its melting quality. You can also mix in provolone or fontina for added flavor.

How do I customize my Meatball Parmesan Sliders?

Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers into the mix. You can also change up sauces—try pesto or alfredo for a twist!

Final Thoughts

Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delightful blend of flavors that make a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders are sure to please everyone at the table!

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Meatball Parmesan Sliders

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 (12 sliders) 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Meatball Parmesan Sliders, a perfect blend of juicy cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are not only simple to make but also a guaranteed hit at any gathering—from game nights to family dinners. With just a few steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
12 cooked cocktail meatballs
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut small circles into the center of each Hawaiian roll.
Push down the centers to create space.
Brush rolls inside and out with garlic butter mixture and bake for about 4 minutes until toasted.
Add tomato sauce and mozzarella into each roll.
Fill with warmed meatballs and sprinkle with parmesan.
Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian