Description
These savory meatball sub sliders are the ultimate party appetizer—juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese baked on soft slider rolls with a buttery garlic topping. Perfect for entertaining, game days, or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 slider rolls (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop out 12 even portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Remove and set aside.
- Slice slider rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Place bottom halves on a clean baking sheet.
- Spoon half the marinara (3/4 cup) onto the bottom rolls and spread evenly.
- Set one meatball on each slider. Spoon a bit more marinara over each meatball if desired.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the meatballs.
- Place top halves of rolls back on.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush tops of rolls generously with garlic butter.
- Bake assembled sliders at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Let sliders sit for 3-5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders and serving warm.
Notes
For gluten-free sliders, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and omit Parmesan. Toast bottom rolls to prevent sogginess. Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. If sliders brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Customize with turkey, chicken, or extra veggies for seasonal twists.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 385
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 11
Keywords: meatball sliders, party appetizers, meatball sub, easy sliders, entertaining, game day, Italian comfort food, cheesy sliders