These Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy meatballs mixed with garlic and Parmesan cheese are served on soft mini buns, making them perfect for any gathering.
Who can resist the delicious smell of garlic? I love making these little sliders for game nights. They disappear quickly, and I sometimes have to make a double batch just to keep up! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using soft Hawaiian rolls; they’re slightly sweet and toast up nicely! If you can’t find them, any soft slider bun will do, or even mini brioche buns for extra richness.
Ground Beef & Pork: The combination gives great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use just ground beef or turkey for a leaner option. You could also try using plant-based meat if looking for a vegetarian delight!
Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These add flavor and texture. If you don’t have this type, plain bread crumbs with a sprinkle of Italian herbs can work just as well. You can even crush up crackers for a unique twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan tastes best. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano or a hard cheese like Grana Padano make excellent substitutes.
Marinara Sauce: Use any jarred sauce you like, or homemade if you have it on hand! For a kick, add a splash of red pepper flakes to your sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping meatballs juicy is all about balance and careful mixing. Here are a few tips:
- Combine everything gently; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- The milk and the egg help keep them moist—don’t skip those!
- Form them gently and make them uniform in size for even cooking.
Also, baking instead of frying helps retain moisture while giving a nice browning effect. Keep an eye on them in the oven, though, so they don’t dry out!
Flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 24 slider buns (soft Hawaiian rolls or similar)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for juiciness)
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes for cooking and baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect for prepping ahead of time or whipping up for your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it ready for those delicious sliders!
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, optional ground pork, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and onion powder. Mix everything together just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size works perfectly for the sliders!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet (using parchment paper or foil), and bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Prepare the Slider Buns:
While the meatballs are baking, take the slider buns and carefully split them horizontally, keeping them connected as a whole sheet. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom buns. Once the meatballs are ready, place them in a single layer on top of the sauce. Then, add the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
7. Add the Top Buns:
Now, place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese layer.
8. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and optional Italian seasoning. Brush this lovely garlic butter generously over the tops of the buns.
9. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley on top for a bit of color and flavor.
10. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake them for about 15 minutes. This will melt the cheese and warm the buns nicely. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes to toast the tops slightly.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done baking, take them out of the oven. Slice between the buns, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your scrumptious Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for a quicker option! Just ensure they are fully cooked before assembling the sliders. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave to warm them up before placing them in the sliders.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Pork?
If you’d like to skip the ground pork, just use 1.5 lbs of ground beef instead. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter version!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep the buns nice and soft.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, refrigerating them separately. Assemble the sliders just before baking for the best texture and flavor.