If you love cheesy, savory, and bite-sized snacks, these Meatball Slider Bombs are the perfect recipe for you! These mini sliders are packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs, gooey melted mozzarella, and a buttery garlic topping. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or a fun family dinner, these irresistible meatball bombs will be a hit!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Snack: Great for game days, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Irresistible Cheese Pull: Melted mozzarella makes every bite heavenly.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time!
Ingredients Breakdown
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Ground Beef & Ground Pork (½ lb each) – Creates a juicy, flavorful meatball with a balanced texture.
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Italian-Style Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Helps bind the meatballs while adding seasoning.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup) – Adds a savory, umami boost.
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Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients together for a tender meatball.
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Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (1 tsp each) – Enhances the overall flavor with bold seasoning.
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – Brings in classic Italian herbs for added depth.
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Salt & Black Pepper (½ tsp each) – Balances and enhances the seasoning.
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Milk (2 tbsp) – Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Used for cooking and browning the meatballs.
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Slider Rolls (12) – Soft and slightly sweet, they hold everything together perfectly.
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Mozzarella Cheese (12 cubes) – Melts beautifully for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
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Marinara Sauce (1 cup) – Adds a rich, tangy tomato flavor.
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Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – Creates a golden, flavorful topping.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Dried Oregano (½ tsp) – Infuses extra seasoning into the topping.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp) – Adds a final cheesy, salty kick.
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Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Provides a pop of freshness for garnish.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Pre-Made Meatballs: If you’re short on time, use store-bought meatballs.
- Prevent Soggy Rolls: Lightly toast the inside of the rolls before assembling.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Variations and Customizations
- Buffalo Meatball Sliders: Toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce before assembling.
- BBQ Meatball Sliders: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a smoky twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: Goes well with iced tea, soda, or a cold beer.
- Side Dishes: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Try with garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Freezer:
- Wrap each slider in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking.
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2. What’s the best bread for slider bombs?
Hawaiian rolls are ideal, but any soft dinner roll works well.
3. Can I air fry these?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the inside of the rolls helps absorb excess moisture.
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Meatball Slider Bombs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slider bombs 1x
Description
Meatball Slider Bombs are the ultimate party snack—juicy meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and marinara sauce baked in soft Hawaiian rolls with a buttery garlic topping. Perfect for any gathering!
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (or use all beef)
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
- 12 mozzarella cheese cubes (or shredded cheese)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and milk.
- Mix everything until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Roll into 12 equal-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Slider Bombs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each slider roll in half, creating a pocket (don’t cut all the way through).
- Spoon 1 tsp marinara sauce into each roll.
- Place one cube of mozzarella inside each roll.
- Add a meatball on top and press gently.
- Close the roll and pinch slightly to seal.
Step 3: Bake
- Arrange the filled rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These Meatball Slider Bombs are perfect for parties, tailgates, and family dinners.
- Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to match your taste.
- Make a double batch – they disappear fast!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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