![- 12 small dinner rolls (Hawaiian rolls work well) - 1 pound ground beef - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 egg, beaten - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz) - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing) The base of these sliders comes from a great meatball mix. Use ground beef for a juicy texture. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, keeping them tender. The cheese and garlic add a rich flavor. Using a good marinara sauce makes all the difference in taste. I recommend using the following brands: - Ground Beef: Choose a high-quality brand, like Certified Angus Beef. - Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work great for crunch. - Marinara Sauce: Look for Rao's or Classico for rich flavors. - Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls. - Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a veggie mix. Switching to gluten-free or vegetarian options does not mean losing flavor. The sliders can remain delicious and satisfying with the right ingredients. To make these sliders, you will need: - A baking dish (9x13 inches is perfect) - A mixing bowl for the meatball mix - An oven set to 350°F (175°C) - Measuring tools for accuracy - Utensils like a spoon and knife Having the right tools makes cooking easier and helps you create a great dish. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. That way, you'll enjoy the process and the final result. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more details! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 beaten egg - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything well until it is all combined. Now shape this mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake these meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, prepare the garlic Parmesan butter. In a small bowl, combine: - 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter - 4 minced garlic cloves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Set this mix aside. Once the meatballs are ready, carefully slice your dinner rolls in half, keeping them attached like a book. Next, place the bottom halves of the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon some marinara sauce over the bottoms, then add the baked meatballs evenly. Drizzle more marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on next. Now, place the top halves of the rolls back on. Brush the garlic Parmesan butter generously over these tops. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Bake for 15 minutes with the foil on. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese and browns the tops nicely. Once finished, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. For a fun touch, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For the full recipe, check the section above. To make great meatballs, start with the right texture. Use ground beef with some fat. This fat keeps the meatballs moist and tasty. Mix the meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings well. Shape the meatballs into even spheres about one inch wide. This size cooks evenly. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F. If you prefer a crispy outside, broil them for the last two minutes. For more flavor, think about adding spices. Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or dried basil work well. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also add a nice touch. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is classic, but you can try sharp cheddar or pepper jack. These cheeses give extra flavor and melt beautifully. Pair your sliders with simple sides. A salad or crispy fries are great choices. For dips, try extra marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Presentation matters too! Serve directly from the baking dish. A small bowl of marinara for dipping makes it fun. Add toothpicks to each slider for easy eating. For a fun twist, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in your sliders. Try turkey, chicken, or even a vegan meat alternative. Each option brings a unique taste and texture. For cheese, consider mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone. Different sauces can change the flavor too. A spicy marinara or pesto adds a new twist. The type of roll you use can change your sliders. Hawaiian rolls are sweet, while ciabatta adds a nice crunch. You can even use mini baguettes or soft dinner rolls. Just remember to adjust the baking time. Thicker rolls may need a bit longer to bake, while thinner ones will cook faster. You can take these sliders global! Add Italian herbs for a classic touch. For a Mexican twist, try adding jalapeños or taco seasoning. Use salsa instead of marinara for a fresh flavor. Seasonal ingredients like pumpkin spice or cranberries can make these sliders fun for holidays. With so many options, every bite can be a new adventure. To keep your Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. When you reheat, use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. This keeps the sliders moist while heating. You can freeze these sliders for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. Making meatballs ahead of time is a great idea. You can cook a big batch and store them in the fridge. This saves time on busy weeknights. For quick assembly, keep dinner rolls and marinara sauce handy. Just layer everything when you're ready to eat. This makes dinner easy and tasty! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead. Just follow the recipe and bake them. Let them cool, then store in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them. Just place cooked meatballs in an airtight bag. They last for about three months in the freezer. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them. What can I use as a substitute for actual garlic? If you need a garlic substitute, garlic powder works well. Use about one teaspoon for every clove you need. You can also try shallots, onion powder, or garlic oil for flavor. Keep in mind that these may change the taste slightly but will still be delicious. What to do if the sliders are too soggy? If your sliders are soggy, try using less sauce next time. Also, make sure the meatballs are not too wet. Drain excess sauce before adding to the rolls. You can also toast the rolls lightly before assembling to help absorb moisture. How can I make the meatballs more tender? For tender meatballs, use a mix of beef and pork. The pork adds fat, which keeps them juicy. Another tip is to avoid over-mixing the meat. This can make them tough. Also, let them cool before adding to the sliders. Nutrition facts for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders Each slider has about 300 calories. This includes protein, carbs, and fats. If you want lower calories, use lean ground beef or turkey. Using whole-grain rolls can also add fiber. Tips for a healthier version of the recipe To make these sliders healthier, try these tips: - Use whole wheat dinner rolls. - Substitute ground turkey for beef. - Add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture. - Use less cheese and sauce, or switch to low-fat versions. For the full recipe, check out the provided link. Pull-apart meatball sliders offer a fun and tasty way to enjoy meals. We covered key ingredients, from ground beef to tasty garlic butter. You learned the step-by-step method for great flavor and perfect texture. Tips on ingredient swaps and serving suggestions help customize your dish. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and meal prep saves time. With these insights, you can create sliders that wow everyone at your table. Enjoy making these sliders and impress your friends and family!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/169037f4-3449-4256-b558-8f755236ab9c-300x300.webp)
Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter
Savor the deliciousness of Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter! This easy-to-follow recipe combines juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella, all tucked inside soft dinner rolls. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's perfect for any gathering. Discover how to make this crowd-pleaser with step-by-step instructions and impress your guests. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!