Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to create a leaner, lighter version without compromising flavor.

How do I keep the sliders moist while baking?

Baking the meatballs first and then layering with marinara sauce and cheese ensures they stay juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.

Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the meatballs, providing a gooey, creamy layer that complements the marinara sauce.

You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, which helps flavors meld together nicely.

Light side salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad balance these hearty sliders perfectly for any gathering.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or marinara sauce to add a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.

Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

I first served these sliders at a family Christmas party and they were a huge hit everyone asked for seconds

Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sliders: 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a large bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs Parmesan egg garlic parsley salt and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Step 3:: Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4:: Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Step 5:: Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6:: Slice slider buns in half horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 7:: Spoon half the marinara sauce over the bun bottoms. Place a meatball on each bun.
Step 8:: Top each meatball with remaining marinara sauce then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
Step 9:: Place the bun tops over the cheese.
Step 10:: In a small bowl mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the tops of the buns.
Step 11:: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
Step 12:: Serve warm.

My family loves to gather around the table sharing these sliders it really brings out the holiday spirit

Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch for best experience

Large mixing bowl Baking sheet 9x13-inch baking dish Small bowl and pastry brush Knife

Contains Wheat (buns breadcrumbs) Eggs Milk (mozzarella Parmesan butter) Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies

These meatball sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and easy to make for any occasion

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to create a leaner, lighter version without compromising flavor.
→ How do I keep the sliders moist while baking?: Baking the meatballs first and then layering with marinara sauce and cheese ensures they stay juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.
→ What cheese works best for these sliders?: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the meatballs, providing a gooey, creamy layer that complements the marinara sauce.
→ Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?: You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, which helps flavors meld together nicely.
→ What sides pair well with these meatball sliders?: Light side salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad balance these hearty sliders perfectly for any gathering.
→ How do I add a spicy kick to the sliders?: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or marinara sauce to add a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.