Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving a bite-sized explosion of savory flavors, this Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls, layered with melty provolone cheese, all brushed with a heavenly garlic butter infused with Italian herbs and topped with a perfect sprinkle of parmesan. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and party snack, effortlessly impressive yet incredibly simple to make. Whether it’s a casual game day, family dinner, or a cozy get-together, these sliders bring warmth and smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building those mouthwatering layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls to the sharp, creamy cheese and the boldness of garlic-infused butter, each component perfectly complements the others.

• 12 meatballs: Choose your favorite kind, store-bought or homemade, for that meaty heart of the slider.
• 1 package Hawaiian Rolls (12-count): Their sweet, pillowy texture is the perfect vessel for the savory filling.
• 12 slices Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, comforting layer between meat and bun.
• 24 oz. marinara or spaghetti sauce: Brings tangy, herby moisture to the meatballs, enhancing their flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): The base of the garlic butter, coating the buns with rich, luscious flavor.
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and depth to the butter mixture.
• 2 medium garlic cloves (minced): Provides that irresistible, aromatic punch that garlic lovers crave.
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that deepens the overall herbaceous note of the dish.
• ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to balance the richness perfectly.
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finishing touch.
• Fresh basil (chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and beautiful pop of color as garnish.

How to Make Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by lightly spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This quick prep step prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze, so your sliders come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops and bottoms. Lay the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a soft, sweet foundation for the layers to come.

Step 3: Layer the First Cheese Slice

Next, place 6 slices of provolone cheese over the bottom rolls. Let them overlap a little to ensure every bite enjoys that gooey cheesiness melting beautifully into the bread.

Step 4: Add the Meatballs

Place 12 meatballs evenly on top of the cheese, one per roll bottom. This is where the hearty, savory center of your sliders comes alive — juicy and full of flavor.

Step 5: Spoon on the Sauce

Drop about one teaspoon of marinara or spaghetti sauce on each meatball. This not only adds tangy moisture but also infuses the sliders with that classic Italian vibe we all love.

Step 6: Add the Second Layer of Cheese

Top each meatball with another slice of provolone cheese. This creates a melty, molten layer that ties all the flavors together perfectly once baked.

Step 7: Cap with Top Buns

Place the remaining tops of the rolls on each slider, creating a neat, sandwich-like setup ready for that incredible garlic butter treatment.

Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Generously brush this aromatic mixture over the tops of the buns, promising each bite has that irresistible garlicky richness.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover the sliders tightly with foil sprayed lightly with nonstick spray to keep them from sticking. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.

Step 10: Add Parmesan and Bake Again

Remove the foil and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Return the sliders to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step gives you a delightful golden, slightly crisp parmesan crust on top.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness and inviting color. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side if you want to dip. Your Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil adds a lovely burst of color and a mild herbaceous note that balances the richness beautifully. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze complements the garlic butter perfectly and adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness.

Side Dishes

These sliders love good company on your plate. Try serving them with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast. A bowl of extra marinara sauce is also great for dipping, amplifying each bite’s Italian spirit.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing and visual appeal. You can also serve them in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy presentation guaranteed to delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover sliders tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their moisture so they stay delicious when reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully assembled sliders (before baking) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking to retain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and cheese melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese perfectly gooey.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and pairs well with meatballs, mozzarella or fontina are great substitutes if you want a slightly different flavor or texture.

Are homemade meatballs better for this recipe?

Homemade meatballs bring a personal touch and can be seasoned exactly how you like, but store-bought ones work perfectly and save time without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily swap the meatballs for plant-based versions or even roasted veggie patties to create a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How spicy are the sliders with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle warmth that enhances flavor without overpowering. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether if you prefer no heat.

Can these sliders be assembled ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake for fresher results.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Sliders with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Recipe truly brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable feast. Warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, these sliders are surefire crowd-pleasers. Don’t hesitate—grab those rolls and get cooking, because once you try these, they’ll be a beloved staple on your menu for good!

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