Hey there, party people! If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, you’ve come to the right place. Growing up in a large family, I’ve pretty much mastered the art of making appetizers that everyone loves—and these Hawaiian Meatball Sliders are no exception. My brothers, who seem to have bottomless stomachs, devoured these sliders at our 4th of July pool party in mere minutes. They’re that good! Whether you’re planning a summer bash, a cozy fall gathering, or gearing up for game day, these sliders are your go-to. Trust me, they’ll be the first to disappear from the table!
Ingredients:
Hawaiian Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are sweet and fluffy, providing the perfect base for these sliders. Their slight sweetness complements the savory meatballs and marinara sauce beautifully. The soft texture of the rolls makes them ideal for Hawaiian rolls stuffed with meatballs. If you’re using King’s Hawaiian rolls, you’re in for an extra treat!
Frozen Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs saves time and ensures consistency in size and flavor. They provide a hearty, savory filling that pairs well with the marinara sauce and cheeses. Browning them adds a nice texture and enhances their flavor before they soak up the marinara sauce.
Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor that ties the meatballs and cheeses together. Raio’s brand is recommended for its superior taste, but any high-quality marinara will work. The sauce ensures the meatballs remain moist and flavorful throughout baking.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella offers a creamy, mild flavor that melts beautifully, creating a gooey center for each slider. Its soft texture contrasts nicely with the slight chewiness of the meatballs. Cutting it into small pieces makes it easy to fit into the rolls and ensures even distribution.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is used for topping the sliders, adding a layer of melty, gooey goodness. It helps to bind everything together and provides that irresistible cheese pull when you bite into the sliders. Using both fresh and shredded mozzarella maximizes the cheesy flavor and texture.
Butter: Butter is the base for the garlic butter topping, adding richness and flavor to the sliders. It helps to brown the tops of the rolls, giving them a golden, appetizing appearance. The fat content in butter also helps to carry the flavors of the added seasonings.
Garlic: Garlic adds a punch of savory flavor to the garlic butter topping. It enhances the overall taste of the sliders, making each bite more complex and satisfying. Fresh minced garlic is preferred for its potent flavor and aroma.
Pizza Seasoning: Pizza seasoning adds a blend of herbs and spices that enrich the garlic butter with a familiar, delicious flavor. It typically includes oregano, basil, and other spices that complement the marinara sauce. This seasoning makes the garlic butter more flavorful and ties all the flavors together.
Chili Flakes: Chili flakes add a subtle heat to the garlic butter, balancing the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls. They provide a mild kick that enhances the savory elements of the sliders without overpowering them. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Pepper: Pepper adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the sliders. It works with the other seasonings to create a well-rounded taste. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its robust flavor.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. It enhances the taste of the meatballs, cheese, and garlic butter. Use it sparingly, especially if your marinara sauce and butter are already salted.
Easy Meatball Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls I recommend the 24 count for parties
- 1 package frozen meatballs
- 1 can store-bought marinara sauce Raio’s brand is my go-to
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon pizza seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the Hawaiian rolls out of the package and place them on a baking dish. Using a knife, cut out a circle in the center of each roll and remove the filling. Use your fingers to press down the remaining bread to create a hole large enough to fit a meatball.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take the Hawaiian rolls out of the package and place them on a baking dish.
- Using a knife, cut out a circle in the center of each roll and remove the filling. Use your fingers to press down the remaining bread to create a hole large enough to fit a meatball.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a saucepan, brown the frozen meatballs on all sides over medium heat. Once browned, add the marinara sauce and toss the meatballs until fully covered. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- In a saucepan, brown the frozen meatballs on all sides over medium heat.
- Once browned, add the marinara sauce and toss the meatballs until fully covered. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the Sliders: Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into teaspoon-sized pieces and place one piece into each hole in the rolls. Place a meatball on top of each piece of mozzarella.
- Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into teaspoon-sized pieces and place one piece into each hole in the rolls.
- Place a meatball on top of each piece of mozzarella.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, pizza sauce, chili flakes, pepper, salt, and oregano to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic, pizza sauce, chili flakes, pepper, salt, and oregano to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Top the Sliders: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the rolls.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the rolls.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Extra Garlic Butter: For an extra buttery finish, you can brush more garlic butter on top after baking.
- For an extra buttery finish, you can brush more garlic butter on top after baking.
- Serve: Serve the sliders hot. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can also prep them ahead of time and heat them up at your party.
- Serve the sliders hot. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can also prep them ahead of time and heat them up at your party.
Video
Storage Instructions
- Allow any leftover sliders to cool completely before storing.
- Place the sliders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sliders on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual sliders in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but the oven method preserves the texture better.
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