Pull Apart Meatball Sliders are a fun way to make meatball subs for a crowd! Garlic bread slider buns stuffed with cheese and meatballs for the perfect bite. These are a great finger food for your next get together or a delicious family dinner!
12Hawaiian slider rolls, or slider buns or dinner rolls
1cupmozzarella cheese, shredded
2cupsmarinara sauce, homemade or store bought
Meatballs
2tbspmilk
1lblean ground beef
1/4cupParmesan cheese, grated
1/2mediumonion, shredded or finely minced
4clovesgarlic , minced
2tspsalt
1.5tbspItalian seasoning, or ½ tbsp each dried oregano, basil and parsley
Garlic Butter
1/4cupbutter, melted
2clovesgarlic , minced
2tbspparsley, minced
Garnish (Optional)
1tbspparsley, minced
1tbspParmesan cheese , grated
1tbspfresh basil, minced
Instructions
Prepare the Slider Buns
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan or baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the slider buns from the packaging and transfer to the sheet pan.
Use a knife to carefully slice a hole in the top of each slider bun 2/3 of the way through the bun. Set the cut out bread aside in a small bowl.
Prepare the garlic butter by mixing together the melted butter, minced garlic, and minced parsley in a small bowl.
Brush the garlic butter on the tops, sides and cut centers of the slider buns until evenly coated.
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
Prepare the Meatballs
Pour 2 tbsp of milk over the cut out bread pieces and mix until evenly coated. Use a fork to mash the bread into small pieces.
In a large bowl add all of the meatball ingredients and the soaked bread. Mix until evenly combined. Divide the meat into 12 portions and shape the meatballs.
Cook the MeatballsSTOVE TOP COOKING METHODAdd a splash of cooking oil to a frying pan on medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the pan and brown on all sides, about 5-8 minutes, or until cooked through.OVEN BAKING METHODPreheat oven to 400°F. Bake the meatballs on a parchment paper lined sheet for 20 – 25 minutes, or until cooked through.AIR FRYER COOKING METHODPreheat Air Fryer to 400°F. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the air fryer (leaving a small space between each meatball). Air fry for 8 – 12 minutes or until cooked through.
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large bowl and pour the marinara sauce over them. Mix until evenly coated.
Assemble the Sliders
Evenly divide 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the bottoms of each slider bun. Top with a meatball.
Add a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of each meatball. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball.
Transfer the sliders back to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with additional shredded parmesan cheese, fresh basil and parsley. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
ReheatingTo reheat, transfer the sliders to a parchment paper lined sheet pan, cover with foil and bake for 8-10 minutes on 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes. StorageStore cooled sliders in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to stack the sliders, place a piece of parchment paper between them so they don’t stick together.Make AheadFollow the recipe as per usual and store in the fridge up to 1 day in advance. Just before serving remove the sliders from the fridge and bake for 8-10 minutes on 350°F. Remove the foil bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until warmed through.FreezingTransfer the cooled, baked sliders to a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 6 months. For best results wrap the cooled sliders in plastic wrap and then place in a container or Ziploc bag.To reheat, thaw the sliders in the fridge overnight and bake covered with foil for 5-10 minutes on 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until warmed through.To reheat from frozen, cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes then remove the foil and bake an additional 3 minutes, or until warmed through.