These tasty Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders are easy to make and full of flavor! Juicy meatballs covered in cheesy goodness are the highlight, all nestled in soft slider buns.
Honestly, who can resist a mini sandwich that’s bursting with garlic and cheese? I love serving these at parties, and they always disappear fast! You might want to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls work best for these sliders. If you can’t find slider buns, Hawaiian rolls are a sweet alternative. They also add a nice touch to the flavor!
Ground Beef: You can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor and juiciness. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken also works well, but note that they may need additional seasoning.
Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. It still tastes great!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan really enhances the flavor. If you don’t have it, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for depth of flavor. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can substitute in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
How Do You Make Perfectly Juicy Meatballs?
The secret to great meatballs lies in mixing the ingredients just right. Here’s how:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, being gentle to avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in tougher meatballs.
- Shape them into uniform sizes for even cooking. When forming, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
- Cook until they’re browned and fully cooked inside, around 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
This way, your meatballs come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy! Enjoy your sliders!
Flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, halved
For the Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- Extra grated Parmesan for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and bake. With a little time for mixing and assembling, these cheesy meatball sliders will be ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your sliders!
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—be careful not to over-mix, or your meatballs might become tough!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 12 small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the meatballs bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the Slider Buns:
While the meatballs are cooking, slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected like a hinge if you can. This makes assembling easier later.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
In a baking dish or sheet pan, place the bottom halves of the buns and spoon marinara sauce evenly over them. Once the meatballs are done, place one meatball on each bun bottom on top of the sauce, and add a half slice of cheese on top of each meatball.
7. Make Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic and parsley. Brush this delicious garlic-parsley butter generously over the tops of the buns.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Carefully place the tops of the buns on each slider and cover them loosely with foil. Bake the assembled sliders in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted.
9. Add Final Touches:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top while they’re still warm for that finishing touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your fabulous garlic Parmesan meatball sliders warm and watch them disappear in no time—enjoy this flavor-packed delight!
This recipe brings together rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan with juicy meatballs, all tucked inside soft, buttery slider buns—perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean option. Just keep in mind that it might need a little extra seasoning to keep the flavor robust, so consider adding a pinch more garlic or Italian seasoning.
What Type of Marinara Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any store-bought marinara sauce you like, or homemade if you have it! A traditional marinara, garlic marinara, or even a spicy marinara would work perfectly to complement the sliders.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! Just form them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw for up to three months—just thaw before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven or microwave until heated through, and enjoy your delicious sliders again!