Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. They’re easy to assemble using frozen or homemade meatballs, and everything bakes together in one dish. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and buttery garlic rolls is irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a group or looking for a fun dinner idea, these sliders are a simple, flavorful win.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls
- Fully cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm meatballs in marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally (keep them connected) and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Place a spoonful of sauce and one meatball on each roll.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Add the top half of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the seasoned butter over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Makes 12 sliders
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Use spicy meatballs or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese lovers: Add provolone or cheddar along with mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Mini version: Use smaller rolls and cut meatballs in half for bite-sized portions.
- Homemade meatballs: Make from scratch with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings for a fresher option.
- Pesto twist: Add a layer of pesto sauce under the meatballs for a flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual sliders for 30–60 seconds. To keep the rolls from getting soggy, wrap them in foil before reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, thaw and heat them in marinara sauce before assembling the sliders.
What kind of rolls should I use?
Soft slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls work best. They hold together well and bake up golden and fluffy.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders and refrigerate, covered, up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving.
What cheese is best for these sliders?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, Parmesan, or even shredded Italian blends all work great.
Do I need to cook the meatballs before baking?
Yes, make sure they’re fully cooked and warmed through before assembling the sliders.
Can I freeze meatball sliders?
You can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F until hot.
Can I add veggies to the sliders?
Yes—add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms under the meatballs for extra flavor and texture.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure the sauce isn’t too watery and use cheese as a barrier between the meatballs and the bread.
What should I serve with meatball sliders?
Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, chips, or a pasta side for a complete meal.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes—use plant-based meatballs and vegetarian marinara for a meatless option.
Conclusion
Cheesy Meatball Sliders are a delicious, comforting, and crowd-friendly dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and buttery rolls baked to perfection, these sliders are easy to make and even easier to love. Serve them warm and watch them disappear—they’re always a hit!
PrintCheesy Meatball Sliders
Cheesy Meatball Sliders are baked mini sandwiches filled with saucy meatballs, melted mozzarella, and garlic butter-brushed rolls. They’re the perfect comfort food for parties, game days, or an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls
- 12 fully cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm the meatballs in marinara sauce on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
- Slice slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Place a spoonful of sauce and one meatball on each roll, then top with mozzarella and optional Parmesan.
- Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, melt butter and mix with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Brush seasoned butter over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought meatballs—just ensure they’re fully cooked and warmed through before baking.
- Keep sliders from getting soggy by ensuring sauce isn’t too watery and placing cheese beneath the meatballs.
- Assemble sliders up to a day ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
- Wrap leftovers in foil for best results when reheating in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
