Introduction

Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Soft Kings Hawaiian rolls are filled with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. These sliders are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

24 Kings Hawaiian Rolls (2 12-pack packages)
24 meatballs (frozen or fresh)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter (softened)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
Step 2: Make the garlic butter by combining the softened butter, fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 3: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls snugly in a 9×13″ baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of each roll.
Step 4: Brush the tops and the sides of each hole with the garlic butter mixture. Bake the rolls for 6-8 minutes to melt the butter and lightly toast the bread. Remove from the oven.
Step 5: Mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheese together. Fill each hole in the rolls with about half of the cheese mixture.
Step 6: Place one meatball into each cheese-filled hole. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce over each meatball, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over all the sliders.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use homemade meatballs or add Italian seasoning to store-bought ones.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese twist.
Add sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier slider.
Use a toothpick to hold sliders together when serving to keep fillings in place.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350˚F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving to keep the rolls fresh and the cheese melted perfectly.

Can I use gluten-free rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely. Substitute with gluten-free rolls of similar size to keep the portion and cooking time consistent. Just watch for roll texture differences as baking may vary slightly.

Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack featuring Kings Hawaiian rolls filled with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Topped with a flavorful garlic butter and baked until golden and melty, they are perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 sliders 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Rolls and Meatballs

24 Kings Hawaiian Rolls (2 12-pack packages)
24 meatballs (fresh or frozen)

Sauces and Cheese

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Garlic Butter Mixture

1/4 cup butter (softened)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to prepare for toasting the rolls and baking the assembled sliders.
Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Prepare the rolls: Arrange the Kings Hawaiian rolls closely together in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of each roll. Brush the tops of the rolls and the inside of the holes evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes to toast the rolls and melt the butter. Remove from oven.
Assemble the sliders: Mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses together. Fill each hole in the rolls halfway with the cheese mixture. Place a meatball into each cheese-lined hole, then add a dollop of marinara sauce on top of each meatball. Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend evenly over all the sliders.
Bake the sliders: Return the sliders to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Notes

You can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for convenience, just ensure they are heated through during baking.
For spicier sliders, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
These sliders can be prepared a few hours ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant garlic butter flavor.
Ensure rolls fit snugly in the pan to maintain their shape during baking.

Keywords: Meatball Parmesan Sliders, Hawaiian Roll Sliders, party appetizer, game day snacks, baked sliders, meatball recipe