Game Day Meatball Sliders are the perfect snack for cheering on your favorite team! These mini sandwiches are stuffed with juicy meatballs and topped with cheesy goodness.
They’re super easy to make and disappear quickly at parties. I love serving them with plenty of napkins—trust me, they can get messy in the best way possible! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor, but you can stick with all beef if that’s what you have. Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but panko can give your meatballs a nice crunch. For gluten-free options, use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative that works well, too.
Slider Buns: I recommend sweet Hawaiian rolls for added flavor. If you’re looking for something healthier, whole wheat or gluten-free buns are good alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is always better if you have the time. You can also swap it out for BBQ sauce for a fun twist!
How Do You Ensure Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping meatballs juicy is key, and using the right techniques can really help. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can make them tough! Gently combine the ingredients.
- Be sure to add a good amount of moisture with the egg and cheese.
- Avoid overcooking! As soon as they are brown and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F), take them out.
- Let them rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving—this helps retain moisture!
These tips will help you make perfect, juicy meatballs every time! Enjoy your Game Day Meatball Sliders!
How to Make Game Day Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for brushing buns)
- Coarse salt (optional, for sprinkling on buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes mixing and shaping the meatballs, and then about 15-20 minutes in the oven. No time at all for such a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your meatballs cook evenly and become golden and delicious.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into about 12 small meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Warm the Marinara Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. This will be the delicious topping for your sliders!
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the warm marinara sauce and gently coat them with the sauce.
7. Prepare the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. If you want to add a little extra flavor, brush the cut sides with melted butter and lightly toast them in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
8. Assemble the Sliders:
On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place one meatball, spoon some extra marinara sauce over it, and top with a piece of mozzarella cheese.
9. Melt the Cheese:
Return the assembled sliders to the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step makes everything ooey-gooey and so scrumptious!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the sliders from the oven, and if desired, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and coarse salt on top. Place the top buns on each slider and get ready to dig in!
11. Enjoy!
Serve these delightful Game Day Meatball Sliders hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They’ll be a hit at any party or gathering!
These sliders are savory, cheesy, and perfect for sharing during game day! Enjoy every bite! 🏈🍔
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time! Just bake them according to the package instructions, then coat them in marinara sauce and assemble the sliders as directed. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time!
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try using crushed crackers or oatmeal for a similar texture. For a gluten-free option, crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs work wonderfully!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and even assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Just keep everything wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Pop them in the oven when it’s game time!
How Long Will Leftover Sliders Last?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them warm and the cheese all melty again!