Save Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
I first served these sliders at a family Christmas party and everyone loved them
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 My family gathers every year to enjoy these sliders during the holidays and it has become a beloved tradition
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 270 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 15 g per serving
Save These sliders are a festive and easy addition to your holiday menu sure to impress your guests
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to create a lighter version with similar texture and flavor.
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Including breadcrumbs, egg, and cheese helps retain moisture.
- → What type of cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting and provides a mild, creamy flavor that complements the marinara sauce perfectly.
- → Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare meatballs in advance and assemble before baking to save time on serving day.
- → What wine pairs well with these meatball sliders?
A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a festive punch complements the savory and tangy flavors nicely.