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Savory Mozzarella Meatball Sliders Easy 20-Minute Recipe

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These Savory Mozzarella Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate quick and easy dinner or party appetizer. Made with juicy homemade meatballs simmered in marinara, topped with fresh mozzarella, and baked on sweet Hawaiian rolls with a garlic butter glaze, they come together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 12 pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls, about 1.5 inches each.
  3. Brown the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the meatballs in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes total).
  4. Simmer in sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low and let them simmer for 5 minutes, stirring gently once or twice.
  5. Prepare the rolls: While the meatballs simmer, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a slab. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
  6. Assemble the sliders: Using a slotted spoon, transfer one meatball onto each roll bottom. Spoon a little extra sauce over each meatball. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of each meatball. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese, pressing down gently.
  7. Make the garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
  8. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For extra crispy tops, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls, separating them into individual sliders. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Notes

For best results, simmer meatballs in sauce before assembling to enhance flavor. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meatballs to avoid soggy rolls. Fresh mozzarella gives the best cheese pull. Sliders can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated; brush with garlic butter just before baking. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sliders, Hawaiian roll sliders, easy dinner, party appetizer, 20-minute meal, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/savory-mozzarella-meatball-sliders-easy-20-minute-recipe/