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These Meatball Sliders work great as a starter or speedy meal. They're whipped up using soft Hawaiian rolls and cooked till they're just right. You can bring them to gatherings or fix them when you're short on time.
Delicious Meatball Sliders
Our family can't get enough Italian dishes. Meatball subs show up on our dinner table all the time. These tiny sliders offer a quick spin on the traditional sandwich. I grab frozen meatballs and ready-made sauce to cut down prep time. They still taste amazing with those fluffy Hawaiian buns and that garlicky butter. What's great is they only need about 20 minutes in the oven!
These sliders are also perfect for get-togethers. When we visit relatives, I'll get everything ready beforehand and then toss them in the oven after arriving. The aroma fills up the whole place! They're definitely the most asked-for snack at our gatherings. I always pack extra marinara for dipping too. Sometimes I'll even bring Alfredo sauce. It creates this rich, cheesy dip that goes wonderfully with the garlic taste.
What You'll Need
- Hawaiian Rolls:
- Butter: Either salted or unsalted works fine. Just melt it right before you need to use it.
- Garlic: Chopped into tiny bits. I usually buy pre-minced garlic to save some time.
- Italian Seasoning:
- Garlic Salt:
- Mozzarella Cheese: Store-bought or grated at home works. You'll need to split it between the meatballs and the tops of the rolls.
- Frozen Meatballs: Pick whatever kind you like or try making our simple meatball version.
- Marinara Sauce: Any type or flavor will do just fine.
- Parmesan Cheese: Newly grated tastes best, but the stuff in shaker containers works too.
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Putting Together These Meatball Sliders
I really enjoy how quickly these meatball sliders come together. You just prep the buns, add your meatballs and cheese, then let them bake. It couldn't be easier or faster!
- Step 9:
- Top with fresh basil, parsley, or extra parmesan if you want. Serve alongside more marinara for dipping.
- Step 8:
- Cook for 10 minutes with foil covering them. Then take off the foil and cook another 10 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Add parmesan and the rest of your mozzarella on top.
- Step 6:
- Push a meatball into each roll and add another spoonful of sauce on top.
- Step 5:
- Mix the meatballs in a big bowl with ¼ cup of marinara sauce.
- Step 4:
- Drop a small amount of mozzarella into the bottom of each roll.
- Step 3:
- Mix melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in a small bowl. Brush this on top and inside the rolls.
- Step 2:
- Set the Hawaiian rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Carefully cut a hole in the top of each one. Take out about 1 tbsp from the middle.
- Step 1:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If you're using foil, I'd suggest using non-stick spray.
Handy Suggestions
I usually go with store-bought stuff for these mini meatball sandwiches but you can totally make things from scratch. Cooking your own meatballs or sauce will really boost the flavor.
You can get these Hawaiian roll meatball bites ready up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just take them out an hour before you plan to bake them.
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Saving Extras
Put any leftover sliders in a container that seals tight. They'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days. You can warm them up in your oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What meatballs should I use?
- Both frozen and fresh cooked meatballs work great.
- → Can I make these early?
- Put them together right before baking for best taste.
- → Can I add more sauce?
- Sure, serve extra marinara on the side for dipping.
- → Why use foil during baking?
- It keeps the rolls from burning too soon.
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
- Sure! Provolone or an Italian mix works well too.