Serve these Meatball Sliders at any shindig, or as the star of a quick weeknight dinner for the family!
Any time I’m having a party and have to feed a large crowd, you better believe meatball sliders will be on the menu. Not only are they a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but they’re also a budget-friendly meal. Plus, I just love to serve any food that’s miniature in scale. In fact, ever since I was a young girl, the pages I tend to dog-ear the most in food magazines (and pin on Pinterest) are the ones that have recipes offering tiny, adorable, individual-sized portions of traditional dishes, like lasagna cupcakes, mini pot pies, and, you guessed it, meatball sliders!
Reminiscent of a meatball sub, I love that these meatball sliders are hearty enough that guests still feel like they’re getting a meal. All at once cheesy, saucy, and meaty, they’re also a great handheld option that’s easy for guests to take on the go and mingle. But what takes this recipe to the top of the flavor charts is the amazing Parmesan and herb crust on top of the buttered slider buns. It’s (insert chef’s kiss emoji) delicious!
Kids and adults alike are guaranteed to love these super savory sliders. And even if you don’t have a party on the calendar anytime soon, these are an equally great entrée for a regular weeknight dinner!
Are These Meatball Sliders Healthy?
Since this recipe contains red meat and cheese, it is high in fat and calories, though the smaller slider size helps to limit portions. The meatballs offer protein, the tomato sauce contains nutrients like vitamin C, and the cheese has calcium. Still, I’d classify this dish as comfort food that’s best enjoyed in moderation.
This recipe reduces some of the salt content by using a low-sodium marinara sauce, but you could also lighten up this dish by using ground turkey for the meatballs instead of beef. Additionally, you could make this dish gluten-free by using Gluten-Free Meatballs and slider buns. And you could make it dairy-free by using plant-based substitutes for the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. You could even make it vegan by opting for dairy-free cheeses and vegan meatballs.
What Type Of Meatballs Should I Use?
No worries if you don’t have a favorite meatball recipe on hand. You can either use store-bought meatballs, or, if you’d like to make them yourself, we’ve got you covered with lots of different options! If you’re short on time, try either these Instant-Pot Meatballs or Air-Fryer Meatballs, both of which cook up rather quickly. However, if you have a bit more time to spare, you might want to try Meatballs In The Oven, which have a crispy outer crust and a soft, moist center. Love meatballs that are extra cheesy? Try these Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Looking for meatballs that aren’t beef? Consider making either these Italian Sausage Meatballs or Healthy Turkey Meatballs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
While these sliders are definitely best enjoyed immediately, you can certainly store your leftovers. Once they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, it’s best to toast them either in a 350°F oven or an air fryer until they are heated through, and the cheese has melted. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause the slider buns to get soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These meatball sliders make for great party appetizers. I love serving them alongside other classic party fare like Pigs In A Blanket, Mac And Cheese Bites, Boursin-Stuffed Mushrooms, and Jalapeño Deviled Eggs.
When serving them as part of a complete meal, I think they pair very well with a refreshing side salad, like this Italian Salad or this Spinach Salad. Or, consider pairing them with a veggie side like Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli or Roasted Sweet Potatoes. They also go great with pretty much any type of French fry, such as Steak Fries, Shoestring Fries, Cottage Fries, or, if you want something a little fancier, Truffle Fries.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package 12, whole-wheat slider buns
- 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 12 meatballs cooked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the whole-wheat slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Place one cooked meatball on top of each bun bottom and spoon marinara sauce over each meatball.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce, then cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Brush this mixture over the top buns and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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