Save to Pinterest Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
I first served these to my family last Christmas and they were an instant hit, disappearing before I could get a second slider.
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.
Save to Pinterest These sliders quickly became a family favorite, often requested for holiday parties and casual weekend snacks.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if preferred. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch.
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.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these easy sliders with friends and family for a festive treat any time of year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the meatballs juicy?
Using a mix of breadcrumbs, egg, and grated cheese helps retain moisture in the meatballs, ensuring they stay tender and juicy after baking.
- → Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to beef for lighter sliders without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of cheese works best here?
Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the meatballs for a creamy, gooey texture that complements the marinara sauce.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the sliders?
Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or add them on top before baking to introduce some heat.
- → What sides pair well with these sliders?
Light salads, crispy fries, or a glass of Pinot Noir complement these flavorful sliders perfectly for a balanced meal.