Is there anything better than a quick party app or kid-friendly food that takes 5 ingredients and almost no time or mess to make? Nope!
These EASY meatball sliders were born out of the need for a quick party food that took minimal time and effort to make and even better, minimal ingredients. They're simple to make, but also simple to serve. No need for cutlery or even a plate. Just grab and snack. This makes them a great option for a party when you're looking for a heartier food to keep people satisfied but won't take you hours and lots of mess to get them on your buffet table.
For this reason, they also are GREAT for kids. It's Halloween season right now and I remember as a kid when it was the day of trick-or-treat, we were bursting with anticipation to get our costumes on and run around the neighborhood knocking on doors for candy. My mom always made us eat dinner before we went out and I remember that being somewhat of a chore because we were too excited to eat, let alone sit down and eat. These meatball sliders would be a perfect solution to that predicament. Kids can grab one or two and eat them in between bouncing around the house and putting on their costumes. Even without Halloween, they are good for kids and adults anytime!
All you need are 5 ingredients and you can multiply the quantity to make as many as you need. They transport and reheat easily so take them for a potluck or save extras for a snack later.
No matter what you make these for, they are sure to be a hit!
Easy Meatball Sliders
(Makes ~ 12 sliders)
Prep time: 10-20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutesClick below to download and print the recipe
Ingredients:
12 frozen meatballs*
1/2 of a jar of marinara sauce (or enough to cover the meatballs to heat them)
1/2 C. shredded mozzarella
12 King's Hawaiian rolls (I suggest the savory ones, NOT the original sweet)
3 slices of provolone cheese, quartered**
Directions:
In a saucepan, heat the meatballs in the marinara sauce until they are hot and totally heated through. If you are cooking them from frozen, they will take a little longer.
Meanwhile, keeping the rolls still attached*** to each other, cut holes with a serrated knife in the center of the rolls wide enough for the meatballs, being careful to not cut all the way through to the bottom (see above photo). Scoop out the insides.
Carefully separate the rolls from each other and place on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese into the bottoms of the rolls (see above photo), about 2 teaspoons of cheese in each roll.
When the meatballs are hot, place a meatball in each roll, getting some sauce in there too. Top each roll with a quarter slice of provolone cheese.
Bake at 350° for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly toasted.
Serve on a platter or grab and go!
*Recipe notes + Variations*
*Make sure your meatballs are small enough to fit inside a King's Hawaiian roll. Most of the frozen ones I have seen are the perfect size. Feel free to use whatever kind of meatball you want -- beef, pork, chicken, turkey, veggie. If you use homemade, make sure they aren't too big.
**You can use all mozzarella cheese and skip the provolone, but I like the extra flavor. If you skip the provolone, make sure to account for extra mozzarella to top the sliders (about another 1/2 C.)
***Keeping the rolls attached to each other while cutting the holes makes it A LOT easier. Staying attached gives them some structure while you cut, but make sure to carefully break them apart before filling and baking.
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