Hello there! I’m Austin, the creative mind behind Beyond The Bayou Blog. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too: Meatball Slider Recipe.
This recipe was brought to me by one of my neighbors who originated in Italy but moved to our locality in recent years. They invited us for dinner in their home and there I had this recipe for the first time. It was so delicious that I could not stop myself from asking for the recipe.
Meatballs are often served as appetizers but she served us with Cornbread Casserole and Homemade Corn Tortillas to serve it as a full meal.
But it wasn’t just the taste of those sliders that made them special. It was the joy of spending time next to your neighbors at the table and gossiping and chit-chat that made a meal extraordinarily special.
So, today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on this beloved family recipe � a recipe that embodies the warmth and love of home. Let’s dive in to making these delicious meatball sliders together!
What Are Meatball Sliders?
Meatball sliders are like mini sandwiches filled with small meatballs. Instead of using big rolls, they’re made with smaller buns, so you can eat them in just a few bites. The meatballs are usually flavored with tasty spices and cooked until they’re nice and juicy. Then, they’re placed between the buns and topped with sauce and cheese, kind of like making a tiny meatball sandwich. They’re great for snacking, parties, or whenever you want a yummy treat!
How Did The Meatball Sliders Originate?
Meatball sliders are inspired by the classic meatball sub or sandwich. They take the delicious flavors and ingredients of a traditional meatball sandwich and transform them into a more snackable and shareable format.
The idea likely originated from a desire for a smaller, more portable version of the beloved meatball sandwich. By using smaller buns and meatballs, you get all the deliciousness of a meatball sub in a convenient, bite-sized package. This makes them perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve up something tasty that people can enjoy without needing utensils.
Meatball sliders also offer a great opportunity for creativity and customization. You can play around with different types of meat, spices, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. Whether you stick with the traditional marinara and mozzarella or get adventurous with different sauces and cheeses, the possibilities are endless!
In essence, meatball sliders are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the comfort of a classic meatball sandwich in a more convenient and shareable form. They’re a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more!
Overview: How To Make Meatball Sliders?
Let’s begin a quick guide to today’s recipe. First, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need ground meat, like beef or pork, along with some seasonings to add flavor. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
Next, it’s time to make the meatballs. Start by combining the ground meat with your chosen seasonings in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Then, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
Once your meatballs are rolled, it’s time to cook them. You can either bake them in the oven or cook them in a skillet on the stovetop. If you’re baking them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until they’re cooked through and browned on the outside. If you’re cooking them on the stovetop, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, you can prepare your slider buns. Slice the buns in half horizontally and place them on a baking sheet. If you like, you can brush them with a little melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
Once the meatballs are cooked and the buns are prepared, it’s time to assemble your sliders. Place a meatball on the bottom half of each bun, then spoon some marinara sauce over the meatball. Top with a slice of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone.
Finally, place the top half of the bun on top of each slider to complete them. If you like, you can brush the tops of the buns with a little more melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
That’s it! Your meatball sliders are ready to enjoy. Serve them warm and watch them disappear�they’re sure to be a hit with everyone! Also, try this recipe with a Coronation Quiche.
Try Our Other Recipes!
Magnificent Meatball Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 12 Slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella or Provolone cheese
- Sliced onions
- Sliced bell peppers
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375�F (190�C) if you plan to bake the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re baking them, or set them aside if you plan to cook them in a skillet.
- If baking, place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place them on a baking sheet. Place a meatball on the bottom half of each bun and spoon some marinara sauce over the meatball. Top with shredded cheese and any optional toppings you like, such as sliced onions, peppers, or basil leaves.
- If desired, you can place the assembled sliders under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and lightly toast the buns.
- Once the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted (if applicable), remove the sliders from the oven and place the top half of each bun over the meatball. Serve the sliders warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning levels, try different types of cheese, or experiment with various toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Meat Options: While the recipe suggests using beef or pork, you can also try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like plant-based meat for a different twist.
- Bun Options: If you prefer, you can use different types of buns for your sliders, such as whole wheat, brioche, or pretzel buns, for added texture and flavor.
- Portion Control: Since sliders are smaller than regular sandwiches, they can be a great option for portion control. Enjoying one or two sliders alongside a side dish can help satisfy your hunger without overeating.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks!
- Use the Right Meat: Choose ground meat with a higher fat content for juicier meatballs. A mix of beef and pork often works well, but you can also use turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix them just until they’re evenly combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Meatballs need plenty of flavor, so be generous with herbs, spices, garlic, and onions.
- Test Seasoning: Before rolling out all your meatballs, cook a small test portion to check the seasoning. Adjust as needed before rolling out the rest.
- Keep Hands Moist: Wet your hands with water or oil before shaping the meatballs. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes shaping easier.
- Uniform Size: Try to make your meatballs as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. This ensures they’ll all be ready at the same time.
- Precook Test: If you’re unsure about the seasoning or texture, cook a small test meatball before making the entire batch. This allows you to adjust the seasoning or texture before committing to the whole batch.
- Brown for Flavor: Browning meatballs in a skillet before baking or simmering adds extra flavor and texture. It’s optional but highly recommended for enhanced taste.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For perfectly portioned meatballs, use an ice cream scoop to measure out the mixture before rolling it into balls.
- Avoid Crowding: When cooking meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between them to ensure they cook evenly and brown properly.
- Serve with Sauce: Meatballs are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a flavorful sauce. Try marinara, barbecue, or gravy for a tasty accompaniment.
What to Serve with Meatball Sliders?
Possible Variations With The Recipe?
- Different Meats: Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, lamb, or even vegetarian options like lentils or mushrooms, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Custom Seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings by adding ingredients like smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold twist.
- Sauce Varieties: Instead of traditional marinara sauce, try barbecue sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a different flavor experience.
- Gluten-Free or Low-Carb: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. You can also skip the buns altogether and serve the meatballs over a bed of greens or with vegetable noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Spice it Up: Add some heat to your meatballs by incorporating diced jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the mixture.
- Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory twist, try mixing in ingredients like pineapple chunks, dried cranberries, or apricot preserves into the meatball mixture.
- Mini Sliders: Make bite-sized sliders by using dinner rolls or mini slider buns and shaping smaller meatballs. These are perfect for appetizers or parties.
- Asian-Inspired: Give your meatball sliders an Asian flair by using flavors like ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce or teriyaki glaze for dipping.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Mediterranean flavors to your meatballs with ingredients like feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Serve them on pita bread with tzatziki sauce for a delicious Greek-inspired meal.
Storing The Meatball Sliders!
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover meatball sliders that you’d like to store for later, let them cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating them. Place the sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Meatball sliders can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow them to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation and freezer burn. Place the sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen meatball sliders can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen meatball sliders, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them directly from frozen. To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350�F (175�C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating: If you have refrigerated meatball sliders that you’d like to reheat, you can do so in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350�F (175�C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking, or heat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make meatball sliders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare meatball sliders ahead of time. You can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. You can also assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, but it’s best to add the sauce and cheese just before serving to prevent the sliders from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs for meatball sliders?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought meatballs can be a convenient option if you’re short on time. Just make sure to warm them up before assembling the sliders.
Q: Are meatball sliders kid-friendly?
A: Yes, meatball sliders are generally kid-friendly and can be a hit with children. They’re small and easy to eat, making them perfect for little hands. You can also involve kids in the cooking process by letting them help roll the meatballs or assemble the sliders.