If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even a fun weekend lunch, these Meatball Marinara Sliders are it!
Juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and tucked into soft slider buns—what’s not to love?
They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and absolutely delicious. Plus, you can have them on the table in no time! Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
- 12 cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl (for the garlic butter)
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
Pro Tips
- Use homemade meatballs if you can. They add so much flavor! But store-bought is totally fine for a quick option.
- Toast the buns lightly before assembling if you want a bit of crunch. Just bake them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter! It gives the sliders that irresistible flavor and keeps the buns soft and flavorful.
- Serve immediately! These sliders are best fresh and warm when the cheese is gooey and melty.
- Make it fun for kids. Let them sprinkle the cheese or brush the garlic butter to get them involved.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar if you prefer a different cheese.
- Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can assemble the sliders (minus the garlic butter) a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate. Brush with butter and bake when ready.
- Cook your meatballs ahead of time to save prep time on the day of.
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the Bottom Buns
Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the baking dish in a single layer.
3. Add the Meatballs and Sauce
Place one cooked meatball on each bun. Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball, covering them generously.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs.
5. Top with Slider Lids
Place the top halves of the slider buns over the meatballs and cheese.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
7. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the sliders, if using. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Let’s Make It!
These Meatball Marinara Sliders are as fun to eat as they are to make. They’re sure to be a hit with your family, so grab your ingredients and try them out! If you do, leave me a comment below—I’d love to hear how they turned out or answer any questions you have. Happy cooking!