Savory Italian Meatball Sliders with Marinara Melt
These Savory Italian Meatball Sliders feature succulent homemade meatballs infused with classic Italian flavors, nestled between delicious ciabatta or focaccia squares. The combination of ground sirloin and mild Italian sausage gives each slider a delightful taste that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as an appetizer at your next gathering, a satisfying snack for any occasion, or even as a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe, inspired by The Slider Effect, is sure to please meatball lovers of all ages and make your slider adventures unforgettable!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground sirloin
1 (lb)
Mild Italian sausage
1/2 (lb)
Large egg
1 (whisked)
Plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Whole milk
1/4 (cup)
Dried Italian seasoning
1 (teaspoon)
Dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup)
Chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 (cup)
Ciabatta or focaccia bread
1 (large, cut into squares)
Store-bought marinara sauce
1 (cup)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 (cup)
Fresh basil (optional)
1/4 (cup, sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sirloin, mild Italian sausage, whisked egg, breadcrumbs (plain or panko), whole milk, dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, rolling each portion into a ball slightly larger than a golf ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once baked, drain any excess fat and set the meatballs aside.
5
To assemble the sliders, slice the ciabatta or focaccia bread squares in half. Generously spread marinara sauce on the bottom halves of the bread.
6
Place one baked meatball on each bottom half, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7
Return the assembled sliders to the oven, baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once done, sandwich the sliders with the top halves of the bread and secure each slider with a long toothpick to hold everything together. Serve warm, garnished with sliced fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Italian Meatball Sliders?
These are sliders featuring homemade meatballs made from sirloin and sausage, topped with marinara and mozzarella on ciabatta or focaccia bread.
What meat is used in the meatballs?
The recipe uses a combination of ground sirloin and mild Italian sausage for the best flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
Bake the meatballs for 30 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to make 12 equal-sized meatball sliders.
What type of bread is best for these sliders?
Ciabatta or focaccia bread cut into squares is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Why is milk included in the meatball mixture?
Whole milk is added to help keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Is Parmesan cheese included in the recipe?
Yes, a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the meatball ingredients.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
What dried seasonings are needed for these sliders?
You will need dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs in the meatballs?
Yes, it uses chopped fresh Italian parsley in the meatballs and optional fresh basil for garnish.
How are the sliders assembled?
Slice the bread, spread marinara on the bottom, add a meatball, more sauce, and mozzarella cheese before a final quick bake.
How long does it take to melt the cheese on the sliders?
The assembled sliders should bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How do I keep the sliders from falling apart?
Secure each assembled slider with a long toothpick to hold the bread and meatball together.
What is the suggested garnish for serving?
Sliced fresh basil is suggested as a garnish for a fresh Italian flavor.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using one cup of store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
What size should I make the meatballs for the sliders?
Each meatball should be rolled to a size slightly larger than a golf ball.
Are these sliders suitable for hosting events?
Yes, they are perfect as appetizers for parties, snacks, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
Can the meatballs be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs ahead of time and assemble the sliders when you are ready to serve.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of mild?
Yes, you can substitute mild sausage with hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
Should I drain the fat after baking the meatballs?
It is recommended to drain any excess fat from the meatballs once they are finished baking.
Does the egg need to be whisked before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one large whisked egg for the meatball mixture.
What is the inspiration for this meatball slider recipe?
This recipe is inspired by 'The Slider Effect' for unforgettable slider adventures.
Who will enjoy these Italian sliders?
They are designed to please meatball lovers of all ages, from kids to adults.
What categories do these sliders fit into?
They fit into categories like meatballs, sliders, appetizers, snacks, and party food.
Can I substitute the ciabatta bread with other rolls?
While ciabatta or focaccia is recommended, you can use other sturdy slider buns if necessary.
Is the marinara sauce applied to the sliders twice?
Yes, it is spread on the bottom bread half and then a spoonful is added on top of the meatball.
Can I add extra cheese to the sliders?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of shredded mozzarella to your preference for a gooeier melt.
Should the sliders be served warm?
Yes, the sliders are best served warm immediately after the cheese has melted and the tops are added.