Get ready for a tasty treat with Game Day Meatball Sliders! These mini sandwiches are packed with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and zesty sauce, making them perfect for any party.
They’re super easy to make, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. I love serving them with a side of chips for a fun, munchy vibe while cheering for my team!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I lean towards 80/20 beef for extra flavor!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. I sometimes use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add more flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but pre-grated works too. If you’re vegan, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Slider Buns: Any soft dinner roll works. For a healthier choice, try whole wheat or cauliflower sliders. I’ve found that Hawaiian rolls add a hint of sweetness!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade sauce is a winner if you have the time. You can even substitute BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Meatballs?
To keep your meatballs juicy, take care during the mixing process. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined, and be sure to brown them quickly on the skillet to lock in the moisture before baking.
- Use your hands to gently combine ingredients; this keeps them tender.
- Don’t skip the browning step; it adds flavor and seals moisture.
- Experiment with adding milk or Parmesan cheese for extra moisture if desired.
Game Day Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, halved
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have delicious sliders ready in less than an hour! Perfect for game day or anytime you need a tasty snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your sliders when you finish preparing them.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the meat mixture and form them into 12 evenly-sized meatballs. About the size of a golf ball works well!
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat, and brown the meatballs on all sides—about 2-3 minutes for each side. They don’t need to be fully cooked since they will finish baking in the oven.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they’re cooked through completely.
6. Prepare the Slider Buns:
While the meatballs are baking, take your slider buns and slice them horizontally, keeping the bottom half intact as a whole piece—this will be your slider base.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish, and spread the marinara sauce evenly over them. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the sauce, then top each meatball with a half slice of cheese.
8. Add the Top Buns:
Carefully place the top halves of the slider buns over the meatballs and cheese.
9. Prepare for Baking:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the buns—this will give them a lovely golden color and flavor!
10. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the bun tops are golden and the cheese is melted and gooey.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired!
Enjoy these hearty, cheesy Game Day Meatball Sliders that are perfect for any sports gathering or casual party!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs are a great shortcut. Just bake them according to the package instructions, then assemble with the buns and cheese as directed in the recipe.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture. You could also use spicy marinara or add hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prep These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the sliders right before baking for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or you can microwave individual sliders if you prefer.
