These meatball parmesan sliders are a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or looking for a quick snack, these sliders fit the bill. Made with tender cocktail meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls, they offer an irresistible blend of flavors that’s sure to impress.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sliders
- How to Make Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
- Step 2: Create Space
- Step 3: Brush with Garlic Butter
- Step 4: Add Sauce & Cheese
- Step 5: Fill with Meatballs
- Step 6: Top with Cheese & Bake
- Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Casual Gatherings
- Game Day Treat
- Family Dinner
- Movie Night
- How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
- Can I use homemade meatballs for these sliders?
- What types of cheese work best?
- How can I customize my sliders?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter, melted cheese, and savory meatballs creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer at parties or as a fun main course for family dinners; they’re suitable for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: These sliders are perfect for picky eaters and kids will love their mini size and delicious taste.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. These will ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small glass or cup (for pressing rolls)
- Brush (for applying garlic butter)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even cooking surface that ensures your sliders bake uniformly.
- Small glass: Helps create the perfect indentation in the rolls for filling without damaging them.
- Brush: Makes it easy to spread garlic butter evenly over the rolls for maximum 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)
- 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
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 for about 4 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Add Sauce & 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: Fill with Meatballs
Then add the warmed/cooked meatballs on top and sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Top with Cheese & Bake
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 & 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 a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.
Casual Gatherings
- Finger Food Style: Serve the sliders on a large platter for easy grabbing.
- Dipping Station: Provide extra tomato sauce and garlic butter for dipping.
Game Day Treat
- Mini Sandwich Platter: Arrange the sliders with toothpicks for quick bites during the game.
- Buffalo Wings Pairing: Complement with spicy buffalo wings for a hearty game day feast.
Family Dinner
- Side Salad: Offer a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the sliders.
- Homemade Fries: Serve with crispy homemade fries for a classic comfort meal.
Movie Night
- Popcorn Side: Pair with buttery popcorn for a fun movie night experience.
- Soda or Mocktails: Serve with fizzy drinks to keep the vibe relaxed and enjoyable.

How to Perfect Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To make your meatball parmesan sliders truly irresistible, consider these tips.
- Flavor Boost: Add more Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile of your sliders.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: Broil the sliders for an additional minute at the end to achieve that gooey cheese effect.
- Creative Toppings: Experiment with toppings like sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers for extra kick.
- Fresh Herbs Garnish: Use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish to add freshness and color before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Parmesan Sliders
To complement your meatball parmesan sliders, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with the savory flavors of the sliders.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy sliders.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light option that balances richness.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness complements the savory meatballs perfectly; bake or fry as you prefer.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a classic accompaniment.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies offers healthy crunch alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Meatball Parmesan Sliders can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Garlic Butter: Not brushing garlic butter on the rolls can lead to a dry slider. Always remember this step for added flavor.
- Overfilling the Rolls: Stuffing too many ingredients into the rolls may cause them to break. Use moderation to keep everything intact.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is hot before baking.
- Ignoring Cheese Melting Time: Baking too long can burn the cheese and rolls. Watch closely towards the end of baking time.
- Forgetting Garnish: Leaving out parsley can make your sliders look less appealing. A little garnish adds color and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label bags with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one slider at a time on medium power for about 30-45 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place sliders in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Meatball Parmesan Sliders?
Meatball Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches filled with meatballs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all served on soft Hawaiian rolls.
Can I use homemade meatballs for these sliders?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and can enhance the flavor of your sliders.
What types of cheese work best?
While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with provolone or even gouda for different flavors in your Meatball Parmesan Sliders.
How can I customize my sliders?
Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or extra herbs to make your Meatball Parmesan Sliders unique!
Final Thoughts
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a cozy meal that everyone will love!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Meatball Parmesan Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 sliders per serving) 1x
Description
These Meatball Parmesan Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for any gathering. With tender cocktail meatballs nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls, topped with gooey mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, they are a flavor sensation that will leave everyone asking for more. Easy to assemble and bursting with savory goodness, these sliders make an excellent appetizer for parties or a fun main course for family dinners. Prepare them ahead of time and bake just before serving for a stress-free experience that’s sure to impress at your next event.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut small circles into the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting through the bottom.
- Use your fingers or a small glass to create a larger indentation in each roll.
- Brush the inside and tops of the rolls with garlic butter and bake for about 4 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese into each roll.
- Place warmed meatballs on top, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and add remaining mozzarella.
- Bake again for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg