Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative while keeping the sliders tender and flavorful.

How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist?

Incorporate breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and an egg into the meat mixture to maintain juiciness and hold the meatballs together.

You can bake the meatballs in advance and assemble the sliders before baking to save time while preserving freshness.

Mozzarella cheese is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, complementing the marinara sauce and meatballs.

Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle on top before baking to introduce a gentle heat.

Serve warm straight from the oven, accompanied by a light red wine or festive punch to enhance the holiday vibe.

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

This recipe has been a favorite at our family parties, bringing everyone together for a delicious treat.

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.

This recipe always brings my family together, creating warm and happy memories every holiday season.

Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a festive punch.

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.

Enjoy these sliders warm for the best taste and texture every time.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative while keeping the sliders tender and flavorful.
→ How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist?: Incorporate breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and an egg into the meat mixture to maintain juiciness and hold the meatballs together.
→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?: You can bake the meatballs in advance and assemble the sliders before baking to save time while preserving freshness.
→ What type of cheese melts best for topping?: Mozzarella cheese is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, complementing the marinara sauce and meatballs.
→ Any suggestions for a spicy twist?: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle on top before baking to introduce a gentle heat.
→ What is the best way to serve these sliders?: Serve warm straight from the oven, accompanied by a light red wine or festive punch to enhance the holiday vibe.