Mini Meatball Sliders – Easy Super Bowl Appetizer Recipe for Game Day Parties

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring big flavor to the big game? 🏈 There’s something timeless about a tray of warm, saucy meatballs tucked into soft slider buns and topped with melted cheese. They’re hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing—exactly what a Super Bowl party calls for. Whether you’re hosting a house full of cheering fans or keeping things cozy with family, these Mini Meatball Sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Inspired by classic Italian-American meatball sandwiches but made party-sized, these sliders are easy to prepare and even easier to serve. Juicy, well-seasoned meatballs simmered in rich marinara, layered with gooey mozzarella, and brushed with garlicky butter before baking until golden—every bite is satisfying and full of game-day spirit.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, assemble everything just before kickoff, and bake them together for a warm, melty tray of handheld goodness. No fancy techniques—just honest, crowd-pleasing food made with care. Let’s get cooking and score a touchdown with flavor!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Mini Meatball Sliders

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• ½ pound (225g) ground pork
• ½ cup (60g) breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons milk

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work beautifully)
• 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Step-by-Step Directions for Mini Meatball Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and milk. Mix gently with your hands just until combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape mixture into small meatballs (about 1½ inches wide), making approximately 20–24 mini meatballs.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer baked meatballs to a saucepan with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and meatballs to stay juicy.

Step 4: Prepare the Slider Base

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally. Place the bottom half into a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place one meatball on each bun section. Spoon a little extra sauce over each meatball. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

Place the top half of the buns over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Garlic Butter Topping

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush generously over the tops of the buns for that golden, flavorful finish.

Step 7: Bake Until Melty

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing along the bun seams to separate sliders. Serve warm with extra marinara on the side for dipping.

Notes for Mini Meatball Sliders

• For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 280 per slider
🍽️ Servings: 12 sliders

(Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!