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Italian Meatball Sliders

Italian Meatball Sliders on Toasted Hawaiian Rolls

These Italian meatball sliders are baked inside buttery, pre-toasted Hawaiian rolls so they never get soggy. Each slider has a tender meatball, a spoon of zesty Arrabbiata, and plenty of melty mozzarella for a warm, comforting bite that works for weeknights or parties.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Game-Day Food, Party Food
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for searing if pan-searing
For the Quick Arrabbiata Sauce
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 –1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 –2 tsp sugar to balance acidity
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders
  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • Extra grated Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley for topping

Method
 

Prep the Rolls
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the rolls or pull them apart.
  3. Hollow out a small pocket in each bottom roll.
  4. Mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
  5. Brush the inside and tops of the rolls.
  6. Toast for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl mix: beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork it.
  3. Divide into 12 equal meatballs.
  4. Sear in a pan or bake until browned.
  5. Cook until centers reach 160°F. Let them rest.
Make the 5-Minute Arrabbiata
  1. In a small saucepan, add garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Reserve 1 cup for assembly and dipping.
Assemble the Sliders
  1. Add a spoon of sauce into each toasted roll base.
  2. Place one meatball into each pocket.
  3. Add mozzarella on top plus a small sprinkle of Parmesan.
  4. Place the roll tops back on.
Final Bake
  1. Bake sliders at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, or until cheese melts and the tops are golden.
  2. Let rest 2 minutes so they pull apart cleanly.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  4. Serve warm with extra sauce.

Notes

  • Pre-toasting the rolls is the secret to keeping them crisp and never soggy.
  • Handle the meat mixture lightly so the meatballs stay tender.
  • You can prep the sauce, rolls, and meatballs ahead of time for faster assembly.
  • If using jarred sauce, choose one with garlic or roasted tomato for the best flavor.
  • Frozen meatballs also work—just heat them fully before assembling.