These meatball parmesan sliders are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a game day gathering, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in. The combination of juicy cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory tomato sauce all nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls creates a mouthwatering experience. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, these sliders will become a crowd favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These sliders come together in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and garlic butter delivers an irresistible taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or snack; they fit perfectly into any meal plan.
Kid-Friendly: With their bite-sized nature and cheesy goodness, kids will love these sliders just as much as adults.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your meatball parmesan sliders effortlessly, gather the essential tools needed for preparation. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Small glass or shot glass
Pastry brush
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: This is crucial for even baking of your sliders and keeping them aligned while they toast.
Pastry brush: A must-have for applying garlic butter evenly on the rolls for maximum 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: 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 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. 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 insert a small piece of mozzarella cheese into each one.

Step 5: Load with Meatballs

Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs on top. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Melt More Cheese

Next, 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!

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders

These meatball parmesan sliders are perfect for any occasion. They can be served as appetizers for a party, a main dish for dinner, or even as a fun snack during game day. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Party Platter

Serve the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. This adds an interactive element to the meal and caters to different tastes.

Side Salad

Pair the sliders with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sliders.

Make Your Own Slider Bar

Set up a slider bar with various toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese, or sautéed onions. This allows guests to customize their sliders.

Mini Sliders for Kids

Serve smaller versions of the sliders on mini rolls. Kids will love these bite-sized treats!

How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders

To make the most delicious meatball parmesan sliders, follow these tips for success.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce can greatly enhance flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overload the rolls; too much filling can make them messy and difficult to eat.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking, as they can burn easily due to the butter.
Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar for added flavor.
Garnish Creatively: Use chopped fresh basil or oregano in addition to parsley for an aromatic touch.
Serve Warm: These sliders taste best when served warm right out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Meatball parmesan sliders pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the rich sliders.
French Fries: Crispy fries add a fun and hearty element to your meal.
Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies with dip offer a healthy contrast to the sliders’ richness.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a classic side that pairs well with any slider.
Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes and mozzarella enhances Italian flavors.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges bring sweetness and color to your plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats can be filled with cheese or sausage for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making meatball parmesan sliders can be straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the rolls can result in a soggy bottom. Always brush the inside with garlic butter and toast them briefly before filling.
Overstuffing the Sliders: Adding too many meatballs or sauce can make it hard to eat. Stick to one meatball per slider for a perfect bite.
Neglecting Cheese Distribution: Not evenly distributing cheese can lead to some sliders being cheesy while others are not. Make sure each slider gets its fair share of mozzarella and parmesan.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Baking them for too long can burn the tops. Keep an eye on your sliders, especially after adding cheese.
Forgetting Garnish: Skipping the parsley garnish may make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and enhances presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover meatball parmesan sliders in an airtight container.
They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about meatball parmesan sliders that might help you out.

What are Meatball Parmesan Sliders?

Meatball parmesan sliders are small sandwiches made with cocktail meatballs, melted cheeses, and tomato sauce served on Hawaiian rolls.

Can I use different types of meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use homemade meatballs or different varieties like turkey or plant-based options.

How do I customize my Meatball Parmesan Sliders?

Feel free to add ingredients like peppers, onions, or different cheeses for added flavor and texture!

What dips pair well with Meatball Parmesan Sliders?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch or garlic dip also works wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

These meatball parmesan sliders offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to prepare and versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy these sliders as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course!

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Meatball Parmesan Sliders

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

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Description

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these delectable Meatball Parmesan Sliders. Perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in, these sliders feature juicy cocktail meatballs topped with gooey mozzarella and savory tomato sauce—all nestled within buttery Hawaiian rolls. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, they’re bound to become a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
12 cooked cocktail meatballs
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4–1/2 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut small circles into the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through.
Use your fingers or a small glass to create more space in the rolls.
Brush the inside and tops of the rolls with garlic butter mixture.
Bake for about 4 minutes until lightly toasted.
Fill each roll with tomato sauce, a piece of mozzarella, and a cooked meatball. Top with parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella.
Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.

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