Hello there! I’m Austin, the creative mind behind Beyond The Bayou Blog. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too: Meatball Slider Recipe.
This recipe was brought to me by one of my neighbors who originated in Italy but moved to our locality in recent years. They invited us for dinner in their home and there I had this recipe for the first time. It was so delicious that I could not stop myself from asking for the recipe.
Meatballs are often served as appetizers but she served us with Cornbread Casserole and Homemade Corn Tortillas to serve it as a full meal.
But it wasn’t just the taste of those sliders that made them special. It was the joy of spending time next to your neighbors at the table and gossiping and chit-chat that made a meal extraordinarily special.
So, today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on this beloved family recipe – a recipe that embodies the warmth and love of home. Let’s dive in to making these delicious meatball sliders together!
What Are Meatball Sliders?
Meatball sliders are like mini sandwiches filled with small meatballs. Instead of using big rolls, they’re made with smaller buns, so you can eat them in just a few bites. The meatballs are usually flavored with tasty spices and cooked until they’re nice and juicy. Then, they’re placed between the buns and topped with sauce and cheese, kind of like making a tiny meatball sandwich. They’re great for snacking, parties, or whenever you want a yummy treat!
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Magnificent Meatball Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 12 Slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella or Provolone cheese
- Sliced onions
- Sliced bell peppers
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re baking them, or set them aside if you plan to cook them in a skillet.
- If baking, place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place them on a baking sheet. Place a meatball on the bottom half of each bun and spoon some marinara sauce over the meatball. Top with shredded cheese and any optional toppings you like, such as sliced onions, peppers, or basil leaves.
- If desired, you can place the assembled sliders under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and lightly toast the buns.
- Once the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted (if applicable), remove the sliders from the oven and place the top half of each bun over the meatball. Serve the sliders warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning levels, try different types of cheese, or experiment with various toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Meat Options: While the recipe suggests using beef or pork, you can also try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like plant-based meat for a different twist.
- Bun Options: If you prefer, you can use different types of buns for your sliders, such as whole wheat, brioche, or pretzel buns, for added texture and flavor.
- Portion Control: Since sliders are smaller than regular sandwiches, they can be a great option for portion control. Enjoying one or two sliders alongside a side dish can help satisfy your hunger without overeating.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks!
- Use the Right Meat: Choose ground meat with a higher fat content for juicier meatballs. A mix of beef and pork often works well, but you can also use turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix them just until they’re evenly combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Meatballs need plenty of flavor, so be generous with herbs, spices, garlic, and onions.
- Test Seasoning: Before rolling out all your meatballs, cook a small test portion to check the seasoning. Adjust as needed before rolling out the rest.
- Keep Hands Moist: Wet your hands with water or oil before shaping the meatballs. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes shaping easier.
- Uniform Size: Try to make your meatballs as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. This ensures they’ll all be ready at the same time.
- Precook Test: If you’re unsure about the seasoning or texture, cook a small test meatball before making the entire batch. This allows you to adjust the seasoning or texture before committing to the whole batch.
- Brown for Flavor: Browning meatballs in a skillet before baking or simmering adds extra flavor and texture. It’s optional but highly recommended for enhanced taste.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For perfectly portioned meatballs, use an ice cream scoop to measure out the mixture before rolling it into balls.
- Avoid Crowding: When cooking meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between them to ensure they cook evenly and brown properly.
- Serve with Sauce: Meatballs are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a flavorful sauce. Try marinara, barbecue, or gravy for a tasty accompaniment.