Meatball Parmesan Sliders (Easy Cheesy Party Favorite)
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are packed with juicy meatballs, melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and toasted garlic butter buns. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a cozy family dinner, or make-ahead freezer meals, they’re easy to prep, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche work best
- 12 fully cooked meatballs homemade or frozen
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Optional: chopped parsley or fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the MeatballsIf using frozen, heat the meatballs according to package instructions. If homemade, warm them in a saucepan with marinara.
- Step 2: Build the SlidersPreheat oven to 375°F. Slice the slider buns horizontally without separating the tops. Place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon a little marinara on each bun base, top with a meatball, more marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add the top halves of the buns.
- Step 3: Brush with Garlic ButterMix melted butter and minced garlic. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Step 4: Bake and ServeCover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Toast the Bottom Buns First: Lightly toasting the bottom halves of the slider buns before assembly helps prevent sogginess from the marinara and keeps each bite perfectly structured.
- Layer Cheese on Both Sides: Add mozzarella under and over the meatballs—this not only boosts the cheesy factor but also helps "glue" the slider together during baking.
- Brush the Tops with Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt, then brush it over the tops of the buns before baking. It adds flavor, aroma, and that irresistible golden finish.
- Use Part-Skim Mozzarella for Less Grease: Part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully without releasing too much oil, which helps maintain clean layers and a less greasy bite.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the sliders with foil for the first 10–12 minutes to heat everything evenly, then uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes to brown the tops and crisp the edges.
- Add a Layer of Parmesan Under the Meatballs: Sprinkling grated Parmesan under the meatballs adds umami and creates a little cheesy crust where it meets the toasted bun.
- Use a Serrated Knife to Cut Cleanly: Once baked, let the sliders rest for a couple minutes and use a serrated knife to separate them cleanly without tearing the bread or dragging out the cheese.