Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutions for a lighter option.

How can I add a spicy kick to the sliders?

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or over the marinara sauce for added heat.

Mozzarella provides a melty texture, paired with grated Parmesan inside the meatballs for depth.

Brushing the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley before baking adds moisture and aroma.

A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a festive punch complements the savory and tangy flavors beautifully.

Meatballs can be baked in advance and assembled before baking the sliders to save time.

Festive, juicy meatball sliders baked with melty cheese and tangy marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

I first made these sliders for a family Christmas party and they were an instant hit everyone asked for seconds

Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sliders: 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a large bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs Parmesan egg garlic parsley salt and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Step 3:: Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4:: Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Step 5:: Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6:: Slice slider buns in half horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 7:: Spoon half the marinara sauce over the bun bottoms. Place a meatball on each bun.
Step 8:: Top each meatball with remaining marinara sauce then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
Step 9:: Place the bun tops over the cheese.
Step 10:: In a small bowl mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the tops of the buns.
Step 11:: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
Step 12:: Serve warm.

My family loves gathering around the platter of warm sliders during the holidays it brings everyone together

Large mixing bowl baking sheet 9x13-inch baking dish small bowl and pastry brush knife

Contains Wheat (buns breadcrumbs) Eggs Milk (mozzarella Parmesan butter) Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies

Calories 270 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 15 g per serving

These meatball sliders are sure to become a holiday favorite enjoy baking and sharing with your loved ones

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutions for a lighter option.
→ How can I add a spicy kick to the sliders?: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or over the marinara sauce for added heat.
→ What type of cheese is recommended for these sliders?: Mozzarella provides a melty texture, paired with grated Parmesan inside the meatballs for depth.
→ How do I ensure the buns stay soft and flavorful?: Brushing the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley before baking adds moisture and aroma.
→ What side drinks pair well with these meatball sliders?: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a festive punch complements the savory and tangy flavors beautifully.
→ Can the sliders be prepared ahead of time?: Meatballs can be baked in advance and assembled before baking the sliders to save time.