These Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders are full of yummy flavors! With juicy meatballs, garlic, and a sprinkle of cheese, they make a great bite-sized treat for any gathering.
Honestly, who wouldn’t enjoy a little meatball sandwich? I love stacking on extra cheese and a bit of marinara sauce. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their slight sweetness and soft texture. If you can’t find them, any soft slider bun will work. Look for dinner rolls or brioche buns as great alternatives.
Ground Meat: The mix of ground beef and pork brings great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey is a nice substitute but keep in mind it may be drier. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs for structure. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs will work well. For added flavor, try using seasoned breadcrumbs!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely touch. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it out for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a distinct flavor to the meatballs and the butter topping. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work—just reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Juicy Meatballs Without Them Falling Apart?
The key to juicy meatballs lies in the right mixing and shaping. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Cold meat can lead to tough meatballs.
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs!
- Shape the meatballs gently with your hands; avoid packing them too tightly.
- For a more moist texture, consider adding a little milk or shredded cheese into the mix.
By following these simple tips, your meatballs will come out tender and delicious every time!
Flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 24 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or other soft slider buns)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 40 minutes of cooking, including baking. You can whip it up for a fun family dinner or serve it at a game day gathering. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Remember, avoid overmixing to keep those meatballs tender!
2. Shaping and Cooking Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and beautifully browned.
3. Simmering in Sauce:
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a skillet or saucepan filled with warm marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, so they soak up all that delicious sauce flavor.
4. Preparing Garlic Parmesan Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a tasty topping to your sliders!
5. Assembling the Sliders:
Carefully slice the slider buns in half, keeping them connected if you’re using a full sheet. Place the bottom half in a lined baking dish. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the buns, and kindly spoon a bit of extra marinara sauce over each one. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Topping and Baking:
Now, place the tops of the buns carefully over the meatballs. Brush the garlic Parmesan butter generously on top of the buns, ensuring every slider gets some love! Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.
7. Serving:
Once they come out of the oven, let them cool for a minute before cutting the sliders apart. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
These flavor-packed garlic Parmesan meatball sliders are perfect for any occasion! Pair them with a cold drink or a fresh side salad, and you’re all set for a delicious meal! Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinara Sauce?
Absolutely! Using store-bought marinara sauce can save you time and still deliver great flavor. Just choose a brand that you enjoy, or try a variety with added spices for an extra kick!
How Do I Keep My Meatballs From Getting Dry?
To keep your meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the meat when combining the ingredients. You can also add a splash of milk or a bit of shredded cheese to the mixture for additional moisture.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and the garlic Parmesan butter a day in advance, then assemble the sliders before baking. Simply refrigerate the meatballs and sauce separately and reheat them before assembling.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a bit of extra sauce if needed to keep them moist!
