Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These meatball parmesan sliders are a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game day snack. With cocktail meatballs, melty mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are sure to impress everyone at the table. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they stand out as a delicious choice for both appetizers and main courses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These sliders come together in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic butter, melted cheese, and savory meatballs creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish; serve them at parties or family dinners.
- Kid-Friendly: Young ones will love the bite-sized sliders packed with familiar flavors.
- Easy Clean-Up: With minimal dishes required, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive clean-up.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful meatball parmesan sliders, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass or shot glass
- Brush for applying garlic butter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even cooking space for your sliders, ensuring they bake uniformly.
- Small glass or shot glass: Useful for creating a perfect indentation in the rolls for filling.
- Brush for applying garlic butter: Helps evenly coat the rolls with garlic butter for enhanced 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)
- 4 tbs butter
- 1 tbs italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic butter
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prepare 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 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: Apply Garlic Butter
Then brush the top and inside of the rolls with the garlic butter. 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. Add a small piece of mozzarella cheese into each one.
Step 5: Fill with Meatballs
Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs on top and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Finish with More Cheese
Add the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Place them back 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 Serve
Let them cool slightly before garnishing with parsley (optional) and enjoy your delicious meatball parmesan sliders!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These delicious meatball parmesan sliders are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, here are some great serving suggestions.
Casual Dinner Party
- Serve with a side salad for a light and fresh complement.
- Pair with potato chips for a crunchy contrast that’s easy to grab.
Game Day Gathering
- Offer with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
- Set up a slider bar where guests can add their own toppings, such as jalapeños or extra cheese.
Family Movie Night
- Accompany with popcorn for a fun twist on snack time.
- Include some fruit skewers for a sweet and healthy option.
Kids’ Birthday Party
- Cut the sliders into smaller pieces to make them bite-sized.
- Arrange on colorful platters to attract the kids’ attention.
How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Creating the ultimate meatball parmesan sliders is simple with these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Toast the rolls properly: Ensure the Hawaiian rolls are evenly toasted; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Control the cheese: Use just the right amount of mozzarella to avoid overloading, which can make the sliders hard to manage.
- Experiment with meats: Try using different types of meatballs, such as turkey or veggie options, to suit various dietary preferences.
- Add flavor layers: Consider adding sautéed onions or peppers for extra flavor in your sliders.
- Garnish creatively: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance presentation and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with meatball parmesan sliders.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing provides a refreshing balance.
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that matches perfectly with any Italian dish, making it an ideal companion.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds texture and a tangy flavor that complements savory sliders well.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with the savory meatballs and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender create a healthy addition to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: The crunchiness of chips combined with zesty salsa makes for an easy and fun side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Meatball Parmesan Sliders can be simple, but a few common mistakes can spoil the fun. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the rolls can lead to soggy sliders. Always toast them lightly in garlic butter for a better texture.
- Overloading with Cheese: Using too much cheese can cause spills and mess. Stick to the recommended amounts for deliciously melty bites without overflow.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Placing the sliders in an unheated oven can affect cooking time and melt quality. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Using Cold Meatballs: Cold meatballs may not heat through evenly. Warm them before adding to sliders for a satisfying bite.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland flavors. Use Italian seasoning and taste adjustments as needed for full flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 30 seconds or until warm; use caution as they may get soggy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat until warmed, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Meatball Parmesan Sliders that may help you enjoy this dish even more.
What kind of meatballs should I use for Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
You can use store-bought cocktail meatballs or make your own with ground beef or turkey mixed with spices.
Can I customize my Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or different cheeses for a unique twist.
How do I ensure my sliders don’t get soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the rolls before filling them and avoid over-soaking them with sauce.
Are these Meatball Parmesan Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time, store them properly, and reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily with different meats or toppings. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 sliders each) 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible comfort of Meatball Parmesan Sliders, a delightful fusion of flavors that elevates any gathering. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game day, these sliders are sure to impress. Crafted with succulent cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and savory tomato sauce nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls, they offer a symphony of taste and texture. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these sliders double as delicious appetizers or satisfying main courses. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or experiment with toppings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cooked cocktail meatballs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut small circles into the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through.
- Use fingers or a small glass to create space in the rolls.
- Brush garlic butter on the tops and insides of the rolls and bake for about 4 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add tomato sauce and a piece of mozzarella cheese into each hole.
- Place warmed meatballs on top and sprinkle with parmesan and remaining mozzarella.
- Bake again for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders (120g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
