Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are the perfect blend of savory flavors and gooey cheese, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or planning a family gathering, these sliders will surely impress your guests. The combination of cocktail meatballs, melted mozzarella, and buttery rolls creates a delicious meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The rich flavors of garlic butter, cheese, and meatballs come together for a mouthwatering bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or snack, they suit any meal or gathering.
- Kid-Friendly: These sliders are sure to be a hit with children and adults alike, making dinnertime fun.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your Meatball Parmesan Sliders becomes effortless with the right tools. Gather the following essential equipment for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass or shot glass
- Brush for butter
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: This allows you to evenly bake your sliders while preventing any mess in the oven.
- Small glass or shot glass: Use this to create the perfect space in each roll for stuffing without tearing them apart.
- Brush for butter: Ensures you evenly coat the rolls with garlic butter for that irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
These meatball parmesan sliders are made with cocktail meatballs, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce baked in garlic butter brushed Hawaiian rolls for a super easy and delicious dinner.
For the Sliders
- 1 pkg Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cocktail Meatballs (cooked)
- 1/4 c Tomato sauce
- 1/4-1/2 c mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tbs butter
- 1 tbs Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic butter
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
First, cut small, deep circles into the center of each of the Hawaiian rolls without cutting through to the bottom.
Step 2: Create Space in the Rolls
Now using your fingers or the bottom of a small glass (like a shot glass), push down the center to create a bit of a bigger space.
Step 3: Brush with Garlic Butter
Then brush the top and inside of the rolls with garlic butter. Bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Now, add a little bit of tomato sauce to the center of each hole. Place a small piece of mozzarella cheese into each one.
Step 5: Insert Meatballs
Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs on top and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Melt More Cheese
Add the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Place them back in a 400-degree oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them; they can burn easily because of the butter.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let them cool slightly before garnishing with parsley (optional) and enjoy your delicious Meatball Parmesan Sliders!
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders
These meatball parmesan sliders are perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner. Serving them right can enhance the overall experience and make every bite even more enjoyable.
For Game Day
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with marinara or ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Veggie Platter: Serve with fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a crunchy contrast.
As an Appetizer
- Mini Skewers: Cut sliders in half and serve on toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Cheese Platter: Add a selection of cheeses to complement the sliders.
Family Dinner
- Side Salad: A simple green salad can balance the richness of the sliders.
- Chips or Fries: Offer crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries as a side.

How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To ensure your meatball parmesan sliders turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the sliders; it can make them hard to eat.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since they contain butter, they can brown quickly. Check often!
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese blends for unique flavors.
- Garnish Smartly: Fresh parsley adds color but doesn’t overpower the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your meatball parmesan sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – A classic pairing that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing enhances the meal’s freshness.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re a filling side option.
- Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Mozzarella Sticks – For cheese lovers, these add extra cheesiness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Meatball Parmesan Sliders can be quick and easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the garlic butter: This adds flavor and moisture. Always brush the rolls with garlic butter before baking.
- Overcrowding the meatballs: Make sure there’s enough space between meatballs in each roll. This helps them heat evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Not monitoring cheese melting: Cheese can burn quickly due to the butter. Keep an eye on them while they bake to ensure perfect melty goodness.
- Using cold ingredients: Warm your meatballs before adding them to the sliders. Cold meatballs can make the rolls soggy and unappetizing.
- Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like parsley not only add color but also enhance flavor. Don’t skip this step for an appealing finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with date for easy tracking.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Meatball Parmesan Sliders.
How can I make my Meatball Parmesan Sliders more flavorful?
Adding extra spices or herbs, such as crushed red pepper or fresh basil, can elevate the flavor of your sliders significantly.
Can I prepare Meatball Parmesan Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything except for baking them a few hours in advance and then just pop them in the oven when ready to serve.
What should I serve with Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
These sliders pair well with a side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Are these sliders suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Meatball Parmesan Sliders are a kid-friendly dish that combines fun flavors and textures, making it a hit at family dinners.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
Meatball Parmesan Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from game day snacks to casual family dinners. Their versatility means you can customize them with various toppings and sauces. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Meatball Parmesan Sliders, a perfect balance of savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and buttery Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are quick to prepare and make an excellent choice for game day gatherings, family dinners, or casual snacks. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that will impress both kids and adults alike. Each bite offers a delicious combination of melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and rich garlic butter that is simply irresistible. Customize your sliders with various toppings to suit your taste preferences and make every occasion special!
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 12 cooked cocktail meatballs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4–1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut small circles into the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through the bottom.
- Use a small glass to create more space in each roll.
- Brush the tops and insides with garlic butter mixture, then toast in the oven for about 4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Fill each roll with tomato sauce, a piece of mozzarella cheese, followed by the meatballs topped with parmesan cheese.
- Add remaining mozzarella on top and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Cool slightly before garnishing with parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg