If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game, these Italian Meatball Sliders are the answer! Juicy, savory meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella, and finished with fresh basil, all served on soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Meatball Sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat.
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Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
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Bake: Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
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Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan and gently coat them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
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Prepare the Slider Buns: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.
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Layer the Meatballs: Place a meatball (with a generous spoonful of sauce) on each bun.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball.
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Broil for Melting: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Top with Basil: Remove from the oven and garnish each slider with a fresh basil leaf.
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Finish the Sliders: Place the top halves of the buns on each slider, and serve hot.
