Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Pull Apart Meatball Sliders! Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these sliders are not just a meal; they're an experience that brings everyone together. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy buns filled with savory meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce—all effortlessly pulled apart for maximum enjoyment. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 1 package slider buns
- 1 pound meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your sliders bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Gather all your ingredients: slider buns, meatballs, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the meatballs are cooked and warmed through if they are pre-made.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meatballs with the marinara sauce. Stir gently until the meatballs are fully coated with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Take the package of slider buns and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together. This will create a single "slab" of buns that can be filled easily.
- Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a greased baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly to prevent any toppings from spilling out.
- Evenly distribute the sauced meatballs over the bottom half of the slider buns. Use a spoon to spread them out if necessary, ensuring each slider gets a good amount of meatball.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer that binds the sliders together.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the cheese for added flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese and meatball mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they stick together.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the sliders moist while baking. This will also help the cheese melt without browning too quickly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once done, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to pull apart.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the sliders into individual portions along the seams. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pull-apart meatball sliders!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce a day in advance. Just warm them up before assembling the sliders for a quick assembly.
- Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning based on your preference. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your sliders a nice kick!
- Keep It Moist: Covering the sliders with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture. For a crispy top, uncover them in the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve with Dips: Pair your sliders with extra marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. It adds an extra layer of flavor and fun!
- Perfect Portions: When cutting the sliders, use a sharp knife and cut along the seams of the buns for clean, easy servings.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative! Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even fresh basil on top of the sliders before baking for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
