Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from game day to family dinner. They’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a go-to choice for anyone who loves comfort food. With savory cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and a buttery garlic roll, these sliders will surely impress your friends and family. Easy to customize and serve, they are an irresistible hit that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These sliders come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, and savory meatballs creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer, main course, or snack; these sliders fit any meal or occasion perfectly.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the bite-sized portions and cheesy goodness, making them a fantastic choice for family meals or parties.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required for preparation, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious meatball parmesan sliders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass or shot glass
- Basting brush
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even cooking surface for your sliders, ensuring they bake perfectly.
- Small glass or shot glass: Helps create the perfect space in the rolls for all those tasty fillings.
- Basting brush: Makes applying garlic butter easy and ensures each slider is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
These meatball parmesan sliders are made with cocktail meatballs, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce baked in garlic butter brushed Hawaiian rolls for a super easy and delicious dinner.
For the Sliders
- 1 pkg Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cocktail Meatballs (cooked)
- 1/4 c Tomato sauce
- 1/4-1/2 c mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- 4 tbs butter
- 1 tbs italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic butter
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
- Cut small, deep circles into the center of each of the Hawaiian rolls without cutting through to the bottom.
- Using your fingers or the bottom of a small glass (like a shot glass), push down the center to create more space.
Step 2: Toast the Rolls
- Brush the top and inside of the rolls with garlic butter.
- Bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes until lightly toasted.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Add a little bit of tomato sauce to the center of each hole.
- Insert small pieces of mozzarella cheese into each hole.
Step 4: Assemble with Meatballs
- Place warmed/cooked meatballs into each roll opening.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
Step 5: Melt Cheese
- Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let them cool slightly before garnishing with parsley (optional).
- Enjoy your delicious Meatball Parmesan Sliders!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Serving meatball parmesan sliders is a delightful experience. These sliders can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your slider experience.
Casual Get-Togethers
- Finger Food Style: Serve the sliders on a platter for easy grabbing at parties. Guests will love the bite-sized portions.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara or ranch dressing as dipping options to elevate the flavor.
Family Dinners
- On a Baking Sheet: Present the sliders fresh from the oven on a baking sheet, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Plated with Sides: Pair them with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Game Day Events
- Buffet Style: Set up a buffet table where guests can build their own sliders, adding toppings like jalapeños or extra cheese.
- With Chips and Dip: Serve alongside crunchy chips and your favorite dip for an exciting snack spread.

How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To ensure your meatball parmesan sliders turn out perfectly every time, follow these useful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rolls and quality cheeses make a significant difference in taste.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the rolls to prevent spillage when baking.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the sliders while they bake; they can burn quickly due to the butter.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the sliders to cool slightly after baking for easier handling and enhanced flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your meatball parmesan sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.
- Garlic Bread: A classic companion that complements the flavors of your sliders wonderfully.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Wedges: Crunchy and golden-brown wedges add texture and heartiness to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw offers a nice crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs create a healthy side that pairs well.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast, adding variety and color to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can help you create the best meatball parmesan sliders. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees before baking your sliders for optimal results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold meatballs can affect how well they heat up and blend with the cheese. Make sure your meatballs are warmed before adding them to the rolls.
- Overstuffing the Sliders: Packing too much filling can lead to messy sliders that fall apart. Be mindful of portion sizes and fill each roll without overflowing.
- Ignoring Garlic Butter Application: Skipping or skimping on garlic butter can make your sliders less flavorful. Generously brush both the tops and insides of the rolls for that rich, buttery taste.
- Not Monitoring Cooking Time: Sliders can burn quickly due to the butter. Keep an eye on them while baking, especially towards the end, to prevent overcooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds, checking for warmth.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making meatball parmesan sliders:
Can I use homemade meatballs for Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Yes! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully and add a personal touch to your sliders.
What kind of cheese is best for Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Mozzarella and parmesan are traditional choices, but feel free to experiment with provolone or cheddar.
How do I make Meatball Parmesan Sliders spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage meatballs for an extra kick!
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them in advance and bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These meatball parmesan sliders are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Meatball Parmesan Sliders—your new favorite crowd-pleaser! Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these sliders are quick to prepare and full of flavor. With tender cocktail meatballs nestled in buttery garlic rolls and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan, they make a delicious snack or meal that everyone will love. Easy to customize, these sliders are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delight to serve at any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish!
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cooked cocktail meatballs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4–1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut small circles into the center of the Hawaiian rolls without cutting through.
- Brush the tops and inside with garlic butter and toast in the oven for about 4 minutes.
- Fill each roll with a bit of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Insert warmed meatballs into each roll and top with parmesan cheese.
- Add remaining mozzarella on top, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg