Table of Contents
Introduction
Mini Meatball Sliders are the ultimate party favorite—perfectly bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and easy to make. I remember the first time I whipped these up for a game day gathering. My buddy Samuel, a die-hard meatball fan, couldn’t stop raving about how these little sliders packed such a flavorful punch. Not only are they incredibly satisfying, but they’re also versatile—ideal for kids’ lunches, potlucks, or even a fun family dinner night. Let’s dive into this crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or mini sandwich rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese, halved
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into 12 small meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil. Cook the meatballs for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the bottom halves of slider buns in a baking dish.
- Add one meatball to each bun, top with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a piece of cheese.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian herbs. Brush the tops of the buns generously.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate. Just reheat slightly before assembling.
- Cheese Swap: Try spicy pepper jack for a kick or classic cheddar for a twist.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze cooked meatballs and assemble sliders later for a quick meal.
- Slider Size Hack: Use dinner rolls or cut larger buns to create perfect mini portions.
For more similar recipes check the following 10 Dinners to Make for Your Picky Eater
FAQs Mini Meatball Sliders for Your Picky Eater
What’s a good side for meatball sliders?
Great sides for meatball sliders include garlic parmesan fries, Caesar salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For party settings, you might also serve mozzarella sticks, potato wedges, or a fresh pasta salad to complement the savory sliders without overshadowing them.
How many mini meatballs for 50 people?
If you’re serving Mini Meatball Sliders as a main dish, plan for 2 sliders per person, which means about 100 mini meatballs. You can stretch the count slightly if you’re also offering other hearty dishes, but for generous servings, 100–120 mini meatballs is a safe bet for 50 people.
Who makes mini meatballs?
Many brands offer mini or cocktail-sized meatballs, including:
IKEA (frozen Swedish-style meatballs)
Trader Joe’s (Party Size Mini Meatballs)
Hormel, Farm Rich, and Cooked Perfect also have frozen mini meatball options.
You can also easily make your own using any meatball recipe—just shape them smaller, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
What to serve with mini sliders?
Mini sliders pair well with a variety of sides:
Chips and dips (like guacamole or spinach-artichoke dip)
Baked beans
Macaroni and cheese
Caprese skewers
Fruit platters or veggie trays
These choices round out your menu while keeping the meal light, fun, and flavorful.