Imagine biting into a juicy, flavorful meatball nestled in a soft slider bun, topped with melted cheese and a rich marinara sauce. Sounds delicious, right?
Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving a comfort food classic, meatball sliders are a perfect choice.
Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step recipe for the best meatball sliders you’ll ever make.
Ingredients for the Best Meatball Sliders
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- For the Meatballs:
- You can use your favorite fully-cooked frozen meatballs thawed or
- Authentic homemade meatballs – this is my preferred method.
- For the Sliders:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- 12 slider buns
- Garlic Butter
- 1/2 stick butter softened
- 1 Tbs minced garlic, garlic paste, or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1/4 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Assembling the Sliders
Making the Garlic Butter
- Combine softened butter and seasonings and set aside.
Preparing the Slider Buns:
- Using a serrated knife, cut a hole in the top of the bun about the size of one meatball.
- brush the buns inside and out with the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle the inside of the bun with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Adding the Meatballs:
- Place a meatball in the hole of each bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each meatball.
- Top with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Baking the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishes and Sides:
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the sliders for a burst of freshness.
- Serve with a side of salad, fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Extra marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Pesto
Tips and Variations
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to use.
- Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Try vegetarian meatball alternatives for a meat-free version.
Creative Twists:
- Add a slice of pepperoni or prosciutto on top of the meatball before the cheese.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like provolone or gouda.
This post was all about the Best Meatball Sliders EVER
These meatball sliders are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.
Perfect for game day, a family dinner, or any casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media using and tag me in your posts.
