Description
These Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory marinara sauce, all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ⅓ cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and milk and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Then add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160ºF (71.1ºC) and are fully cooked.
- Prepare the slider buns: Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two large sheets, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish or slightly smaller.
- Assemble sliders: Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom halves of the rolls. Place one meatball on each bun, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over each meatball to add creamy, melty texture.
- Top and butter: Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders. Combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls for flavorful, golden-brown finishing.
- Bake the assembled sliders: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden and slightly crisp.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked to a safe temperature of 160ºF.
- If preferred, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mixture.
- These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven but can be reheated gently the next day.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead and assemble just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
