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Close-up of a meatball slider with melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and fresh basil on a garlic butter bun, secured with a bamboo skewer.

Meatball Marinara Sliders for Game Day

Lauren Bennett
Juicy, tender meatballs tucked into buttery Hawaiian rolls with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. The ultimate party appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • #60 cookie scoop
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (50 grams)
  • 1/3 cup whole milk (80 milliliters)
  • 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef (908 grams)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onions (70 grams)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (14 grams/3 big cloves)
  • 2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley (8 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (40 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (500 grams)
  • 20 dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
  • 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (340 grams)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (20 grams)
  • 20-40 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic (1 big clove)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley (4 grams)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix Panko and milk in a large bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes to form a panada.
  • Add beef, onions, garlic, parsley, eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
  • Using a #60 scoop, form 60 small meatballs and place on the sheet pan.
  • Bake for 14-15 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. Drain grease.
  • Toss meatballs in warmed marinara sauce. Halve the rolls and place bottoms in a 9x13 pan.
  • Place 3 meatballs on each roll, top with extra sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil. Add top buns.
  • Brush with a mixture of melted butter, fresh garlic, garlic powder, and parsley.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes until golden.

Notes

  • Use a panada of milk and breadcrumbs to keep the meat tender even after reheating.
  • Layer cheese on the bottom bun before adding meatballs to create a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess.
  • Don't over-mix the meat to avoid a rubbery texture.
Keyword baked sliders, easy ground beef recipes, game day appetizers, Hawaiian roll sliders, meatball sandwiches, Party Food