If you are craving a bite-sized hero of flavor, this Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls lovingly hollowed out and filled with juicy, saucy meatballs, then drenched in a luscious garlic butter and oozing mozzarella cheese. Every bite bursts with savory Italian charm, balanced perfectly with gooey cheese and fragrant garlic seasoning that will have you dreaming of these sliders long after the last crumb is gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this delightful dish together, you’ll gather a handful of simple but oh-so-essential ingredients. Each element plays a starring role in creating that perfect harmony of tastes and textures you want from any great slider.
- Hawaiian rolls: Sweet and soft, these rolls add a tender, slightly sweet base that balances the savory meatballs beautifully.
- Butter (melted): Used to infuse garlic flavor and add luscious richness to the rolls.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides the signature aromatic punch that makes this recipe sing.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that amplifies the authentic Italian vibe in every bite.
- Garlic salt: Combines the savory flavor of garlic with just the right amount of saltiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): For that irresistible gooey stretch and creamy texture inside and on top of the sliders.
- Meatballs (fully cooked, thawed): The hearty, flavorful protein that fills each slider with meaty goodness.
- Marinara sauce: Adds bright tomato tang and moisture to complement the meatballs and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: A touch of sharpness to elevate the overall depth of flavor and add a lovely golden finish.
How to Make Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This creates the perfect gentle heat to melt all those cheeses and warm the rolls evenly. Prepare your baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or foil; if using foil, don’t forget to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Hollowing Out the Rolls
Line up your Hawaiian rolls on the baking sheet and carefully cut a small hole into the top of each one. Scoop out about a tablespoon of bread from the center to create the perfect nook for your meatball, making sure enough roll remains to hold the filling snugly while letting the meatball peek out just a bit.
Step 3: Infusing Garlic Butter
Now mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. This fragrant garlic butter blend is key to adding that irresistible depth to your sliders. Brush this mixture generously inside the hollowed-out rolls and all over their tops, coaxing the garlic flavor inside the crumb itself.
Step 4: Adding the First Layer of Cheese
Press a small pinch of shredded mozzarella into the buttered cavity of each roll. This will melt around the meatball later, creating that gooey, cheesy surprise that slider lovers live for.
Step 5: Preparing and Placing the Meatballs
Take your meatballs and coat them with about a quarter cup of marinara sauce. Nestle one saucy meatball into each roll, then spoon roughly a teaspoon of extra marinara over the top of each meatball for maximum sauciness.
Step 6: Topping with Cheese and Parmesan
Sprinkle each slider with the remaining shredded mozzarella and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. This combination will give your sliders that irresistible golden crust and rich cheesy flavor once baked.
Step 7: Baking the Sliders
Cover the assembled sliders with foil and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the flavors to meld. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes to get a perfectly toasty top and warm, soft bread.
Step 8: The Final Touch
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your sliders with freshly chopped basil, parsley, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, accompanied by extra marinara sauce for dipping. This finishing flourish adds freshness and brightness to complement the rich layers within.
How to Serve Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add a savory sharpness that takes these sliders from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, pair them with sweet potato fries or garlic parmesan potato chips to continue the flavor theme and add texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a bright platter to make them pop visually. You could skewer each slider with a decorative toothpick to keep everything in place and add a little flair for your guests or family. For game day or parties, offer a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy arrabbiata or creamy basil aioli alongside for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though that’s unlikely — place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the rolls and prevents the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking for easy meal prep. Assemble them fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through thoroughly.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your sliders is in the oven at 350 degrees, covered with foil to prevent the tops from over-browning, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs bring a personal touch and you can customize the seasoning to your taste — just make sure they are fully cooked before assembling the sliders.
Can I make these meatball sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based alternatives. The garlic butter, marinara sauce, and mozzarella will still create a delicious sandwich experience.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella is preferred for its meltability and mild flavor, but feel free to add provolone or fontina for a richer cheese blend. Just keep the shredding fine so it melts evenly.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them, covered with foil, then bake within 24 hours. This makes entertaining stress-free and quick when guests arrive.
What is the best way to serve these sliders at parties?
Serve on a large platter with toothpicks and plenty of extra marinara sauce for dipping. They make perfect finger food and always disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about sharing these Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe with friends and family. With their irresistible combination of flavors, cozy textures, and simple ingredients, they quickly become a favorite everyone will ask for again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these sliders become the star of any gathering or a special weeknight treat that feels like a celebration.
Print
Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Meatball Sliders are a perfect savory snack or party appetizer featuring juicy meatballs nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and a blend of garlic and Italian seasonings. Baked to golden perfection, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rolls & Toppings
- 12 count Hawaiian rolls
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
Meatballs & Sauce
- 12 meatballs (fully cooked, thawed)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or foil; if using foil, spray lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rolls: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls on the baking sheet. Cut a hole into the top of each roll and remove about a tablespoon of the center to create space for the meatball, ensuring the meatball will sit partly exposed on top.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Brush this mixture both inside the hollowed-out area and over the tops of the rolls, pushing the garlic mix inside as well.
- Add Mozzarella: Press a small pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese inside each roll to add cheesy flavor at the base.
- Assemble Meatballs: Coat each fully cooked meatball with approximately 1/4 cup of marinara sauce. Place one meatball into each roll cavity, then spoon about 1 teaspoon of additional marinara sauce over the top of each meatball.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the sliders evenly with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the parmesan cheese to create a golden cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and warm through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese brown and the tops crisp slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the sliders with chopped fresh basil, parsley, or extra parmesan cheese as desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using fully cooked and thawed meatballs speeds up preparation and ensures even cooking.
- Hawaiian rolls add a subtly sweet contrast to the savory meatballs and cheeses.
- Make sure not to remove too much bread from the rolls so they maintain structure around the meatball.
- Foil covering during the first part of baking helps the cheese melt without browning too quickly.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add bright flavor to balance the richness of the sliders.
