These Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders are little bites of happiness! Tender meatballs are packed with garlic and parmesan flavors, all snugly tucked inside soft slider buns.
Everyone loves sliders, right? Perfect for parties or a fun meal at home! I love piling on extra cheese and dipping them in marinara—yum! You might want to make a double batch. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft Hawaiian rolls are a great choice because they add sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat or gluten-free buns.
Ground Beef: You can use a mix of beef and pork for more flavor. If you’re avoiding red meat, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just note that they might be a bit drier, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious salty kick. If you don’t have it, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs are perfect for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same texture. You can also use crushed crackers!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but the taste won’t be as strong. You generally want more when using powder than fresh.
How Can I Make Perfect Meatballs Every Time?
Making meatballs might seem tricky, but it’s easy with a few tips! The right mixing and shaping technique is key to make them tender and juicy.
- Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs light. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Use a measuring scoop to shape even meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Chill the formed meatballs in the fridge for a bit before baking. This helps them hold their shape.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while baking; it helps them develop a nice crust.
Flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft Hawaiian or dinner rolls)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus another 30 minutes for baking (18-20 minutes for the meatballs and 10 minutes once the sliders are assembled). So, you’re looking at around 45 minutes total! It’s quick and so worth it for these delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish that’s large enough to fit all the sliders. This will help prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a big bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon, mixing gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be tough!
3. Shape Them Up:
With your hands, form the mixture into about 12 evenly sized meatballs. Place these meatballs evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. They should have some space around them for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once they are done, take them out of the oven.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and set the bottom halves in the baking dish around the meatballs. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each bun bottom. Place one meatball on each bun, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball before placing the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
6. Garlic Butter Magic:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of parsley. Brush this delicious garlic butter generously over the tops of the buns to add extra flavor!
7. Last Bake:
Put the baking dish back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and slightly toasted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like. Serve these sliders hot and enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness while they’re warm!
These sliders are perfect for parties, game nights, or even just a simple dinner. Enjoy the fantastic flavors and watch them disappear!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before mixing the meatballs. Avoid using any still-frozen meat, as it won’t combine well with the other ingredients.
How Can I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for heat. Alternatively, mix some jalapeños or hot sauce into the marinara sauce to kick it up a notch!
What Can I Serve with These Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a side of potato chips, a fresh salad, or crispy sweet potato fries. You can also serve extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
