I still remember the first time I made meatball sliders for a Sunday football party. The smell of warm marinara, garlic butter, and melted mozzarella filled the kitchen before the first guests even walked in. They disappeared so quickly, I barely had a chance to grab one for myself. That’s the magic of meatball sliders — they’re bite-sized, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting game day, a potluck, or a casual family dinner, these sliders offer the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. You can prep them in minutes, pop them in the oven, and have a tray of golden, melty sandwiches ready to serve in under 30 minutes. If you love hearty, crowd-pleasing recipes, you’ll probably also enjoy my Philly Cheesesteak Sliders or my creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Sliders.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Plenty of slider recipes are delicious, but this one is special because it takes minimal effort without skimping on flavor. Using fully cooked meatballs means less prep time, while King’s Hawaiian rolls bring just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory marinara and cheeses. The garlic butter topping crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding an irresistible finishing touch.
The beauty of these meatball sliders is how adaptable they are — you can change up the sauce, swap in your favorite cheese, or even make them spicy with sliced jalapeños. They’re just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as they are for a party appetizer. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re always the first thing to disappear from the table.
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Meatball Sliders – Easy, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing
Easy meatball sliders with saucy meatballs, melted mozzarella, and garlic butter rolls — perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
12 pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
12 fully cooked meatballs
1/2 jar (12 oz) marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a pot, combine meatballs and marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed.
3. Cut a hole in the tops of the rolls and remove some bread to make room for filling.
4. Mix melted butter with parsley and garlic powder; brush over roll tops.
5. Add shredded mozzarella inside each roll, then top with a meatball and more mozzarella.
6. Place sliders in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
7. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve with extra marinara.
Notes
For crispier tops, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking.
Use provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients & Equipment Tips for Meatball Sliders
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sliders
The beauty of meatball sliders is that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make them taste amazing. It all starts with a 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls. Their soft texture and slight sweetness pair perfectly with savory marinara and cheese. Fully cooked meatballs save time without sacrificing flavor — just warm them gently in the sauce before assembling.
Marinara sauce brings moisture and tang, while shredded mozzarella delivers that gooey, melty texture everyone loves. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. The garlic butter topping — made from melted butter, dried parsley, and garlic powder — turns golden in the oven, adding a layer of crispness and flavor.
If you love cheesy pull-apart sliders, my Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders are another easy, crowd-pleasing option. Or try my Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders for a salty, buttery twist on the classic.
Kitchen Tools That Make It Easier
You don’t need a ton of equipment for meatball sliders, but the right tools can make the process smoother. A sharp serrated knife is perfect for cutting into the tops of the rolls without crushing them. Use a medium saucepan to heat the meatballs and marinara together, and a pastry brush for evenly spreading the garlic butter over the rolls.
A 9×13-inch baking dish fits a dozen sliders perfectly, keeping them close together so they bake evenly and stay soft in the middle. If you want to get a little fancy, use an oven-safe serving tray so you can take them straight from the oven to the table.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Meatball Sliders
Preparing & Assembling the Sliders
Making meatball sliders is a straightforward process that delivers big flavor in little time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you finish assembling. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm your fully cooked meatballs with marinara sauce until heated through. While they’re warming, use a sharp knife to cut a hole in the tops of the King’s Hawaiian rolls, removing a small amount of bread to make space for the filling.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with dried parsley and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls — this step ensures they bake up golden and aromatic. Sprinkle a bit of shredded mozzarella inside each roll cavity, then place a saucy meatball on top. Add more mozzarella over each meatball for that irresistible cheesy pull.
For another fun party recipe, my Easy Cheeseburger Sliders use similar assembly steps but with a classic burger twist. Or try my BBQ Pulled Chicken Mini Sandwiches for a smoky, tangy alternative.
Baking for Perfect Melt & Flavor
Place the assembled sliders into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly crisp. If you like a more toasted finish, you can broil them for the last minute — just watch closely to prevent burning.
Once baked, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the tops for a final savory kick. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of warm bread, melted cheese, and saucy meatballs is simply irresistible.
Serving, Storing & Variations for Meatball Sliders
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
Meatball sliders are perfect for more than just game day — they’re a great addition to potlucks, holiday buffets, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of hearty soup for a balanced meal. They also shine as part of a party spread with chips, dips, and other finger foods.
For more slider inspiration, my Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe offers another classic combination that works beautifully on a party tray. And if you’re planning a full barbecue-style meal, pair your meatball sliders with my creamy BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad for a crowd-pleasing side.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about meatball sliders is how easy they are to customize. Swap the marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce and use provolone cheese for an Italian-inspired twist. Add jalapeño slices for a spicy kick, or top with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with different breads, like pretzel buns or ciabatta rolls, for a change in texture.
For a Mediterranean vibe, use lamb meatballs, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese. Or go bold with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky-sweet combination. No matter the variation, the key is balancing flavors and textures so each bite is satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions about Meatball Sliders
Can you use meatballs to make sliders?
Yes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make a crowd-pleasing dish. Using fully cooked meatballs saves time, and they’re the perfect size for fitting into small rolls. You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your schedule.
What goes with meatball sliders?
Meatball sliders pair well with salads, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or hearty sides like macaroni salad. They also work great with chips and dips for casual gatherings.
What goes on a meatball sandwich?
The classic toppings include marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan. You can add extras like peppers, onions, or even pesto to change the flavor profile.
What are the best ingredients to put in meatballs?
For juicy, flavorful meatballs, use a mix of ground meats (beef, pork, or turkey), breadcrumbs, eggs, grated parmesan, fresh herbs, and seasonings. Garlic and onion add depth, while a bit of milk keeps them tender.
Conclusion
Meatball sliders are the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and crowd appeal. With tender rolls, saucy meatballs, and melted cheese, they’re a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you serve them for game day, a casual family dinner, or a holiday gathering, they always disappear fast.
Best of all, they’re endlessly adaptable — you can switch up the sauces, cheeses, and seasonings to match your mood or menu. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
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