Game Day Meatball Sliders are the perfect treat for your next gathering! Soft buns are filled with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a win-win!
Who doesn’t love a good slider, right? They’re so easy to make and even easier to eat—perfect for cheering on your favorite team while munching away! 🏈
I love serving these sliders with a side of chips or veggies. It’s a tasty and fun way to enjoy game day without all the fuss. You might just want to make extra!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness, but you can stick with just beef if you like. Ground turkey or chicken can also be a good leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can do the trick!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds the best taste, but pre-grated works fine too. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a solid substitute for a sharper flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is delicious if you have some on hand. If you’re short on time, pasta sauce can be used in a pinch!
Slider Buns: I love using soft dinner rolls, but you could also use mini pretzel buns for a different twist. If you’re making these gluten-free, look for suitable rolls.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs are Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting tender, juicy meatballs starts with mixing your ingredients just right. Overmixing can make them tough, so be gentle. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine ingredients in a bowl until just blended. Use your hands if it feels easier.
- Keep the size of the meatballs uniform for even cooking. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Baking them in the oven helps them cook evenly without excess grease.
Tips for Perfectly Melting Cheese on Your Sliders?
The cheese is a key part of the slider. Here’s how to get it perfectly melted:
- Cover the sliders with foil while baking to keep the heat in and help the cheese melt evenly.
- Using cheese that melts well, like provolone or mozzarella, makes all the difference.
- Don’t skip brushing the tops of the buns with butter—it adds flavor and keeps them soft!
Enjoy making your Game Day Meatball Sliders; they’re bound to be a hit!
Game Day Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sliders:
- 12 small slider buns or dinner rolls
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, halved
- Butter (for brushing buns)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in just about an hour, you’ll have delicious sliders that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake those sliders.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything gently so the meatballs stay tender. No need to overmix!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Roll the meat mixture into about 12 evenly sized meatballs—aim for around the size of a golf ball. This ensures they cook evenly!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Yum!
5. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
Once baked, take the meatballs out of the oven and transfer them to a baking dish. Pour 1½ cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat them well in the sauce.
6. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Next, slice your slider buns in half horizontally. Lightly butter the insides of each bun to add flavor and keep them soft when baked.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Place the bottom halves of the buns into a large baking dish or casserole pan. Spoon the meatballs with the saucy goodness evenly over the bottom buns. Then, top each meatball with a half slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese. So cheesy!
8. Add Top Buns and Butter:
Now, place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and meatballs to complete your sliders. Brush the tops of the buns with more melted butter to add extra flavor!
9. Bake Again:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for another 15 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and warm the buns through.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, take the sliders out of the oven. Serve them warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or parsley for that finishing touch!
Enjoy your delicious Game Day Meatball Sliders! They’re perfect for any crowd and super easy to serve alongside your favorite snacks. Enjoy the game!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, just bake them according to the package instructions until heated through. Then, follow the remaining steps for assembling with marinara sauce and cheese!
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven, or pop them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. Combine with marinara and cheese, then bake as directed!
