Get ready for some yummy sliders! These bite-sized meatballs are loaded with garlic and parmesan, making them super tasty. Perfect for parties or just a fun dinner at home!
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just bake the meatballs, add them to a bun, and drizzle with a little extra cheese. Who can resist that? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I really like using soft slider buns for these; they hold the meatballs well. If you want a healthier choice, whole wheat or gluten-free buns work great too!
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork gives a nice flavor, but you can use turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just remember, adjust cooking times as needed!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a brilliant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use the powdered kind, but fresh really boosts the taste!
Breadcrumbs: Most Italian-style breadcrumbs work well, but you can use panko for extra crunch. If you’re gluten-free, just swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred marinara sauce will do. If you have homemade sauce, even better! You can also use pizza sauce if that’s what you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy meatballs is not overmixing. Combine the ingredients gently; this keeps them from becoming tough. Also, don’t skip on the fat! A mix of beef and pork or even adding a bit of olive oil makes a big difference.
- Form meatballs gently; about 1 inch in diameter is perfect.
- Ensure even cooking by placing them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Check doneness with a thermometer—160°F is your goal for ground beef.
Don’t forget to let them rest after baking! This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite delicious.
Flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 24 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious sliders will take about 15 minutes of prep and around 30 minutes for cooking and assembly. So in about 45 minutes total, you’ll have a plate full of tasty sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and gets nice and browned.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (clean, of course!) or a spoon to mix everything gently until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You’ll want to end up with approximately 24 meatballs. This size is perfect for sliders!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Place your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
5. Prepare the Slider Buns:
While the meatballs are baking, get your slider buns ready by slicing them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet for easy assembly later.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Place one meatball on each bottom half of the slider buns. Then, spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each meatball.
7. Add the Cheese:
Top each meatball with a slice or sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. It’s the cheesy goodness that makes these sliders so irresistible!
8. Melt the Cheese:
Put the assembled sliders back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. This is when the magic happens!
9. Brush with Garlic Butter:
While the cheese is melting, mix the melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl. Once the sliders are out of the oven, brush the tops of the buns with this delicious garlic butter mixture to give it extra flavor and shine.
10. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley over the tops for a nice finishing touch. Now, it’s time to serve these warm sliders and enjoy the flavor-packed goodness!
These garlic Parmesan meatball sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time, as these meats can cook a bit faster than beef.
How Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
To make the sliders gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns. They taste just as delicious and can easily accommodate gluten-sensitive guests!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Form them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw, then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option!