Name: Easy Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ lb ground beef (80/20); 2 tsp garlic, minced; ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped; ⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tbsp dried); 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 1 lb block mozzarella, sliced into ½-inch slices; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 (12 count) pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls; ½ stick butter, melted; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic, minced (or paste/powder); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or dried)

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These pull-apart meatball sliders are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy homemade meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and sweet Hawaiian rolls brushed with garlic butter. Perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners, they’re simple to prepare but loaded with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders are fun to eat, easy to share, and absolutely delicious. The homemade meatballs are seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, giving them a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella. The Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet, buttery touch that takes them to the next level. Best of all, they’re baked together in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs

½ lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
2 tsp garlic, minced
¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Sliders

1 lb block mozzarella cheese, sliced into ½-inch slices
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 (12 count) pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Garlic Butter

½ stick butter, melted
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic, minced (or garlic paste or powder)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, onion, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll into meatballs (about 2–3 oz each) and place on the tray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter by mixing melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Layer with sliced mozzarella, baked meatballs, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
Place the top half of the rolls on top and brush generously with garlic butter.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
Let cool for 3–5 minutes before pulling apart and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 sliders.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
Use store-bought frozen meatballs for a faster option.
Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
Use brioche or dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for less sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the bread may soften. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking—just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F until hot and melty.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to assemble the sliders.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely—this is a great time-saving option. Just heat them before assembling.

What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft dinner rolls or slider buns will work, though Hawaiian rolls add a sweet touch.

How do I prevent soggy sliders?

Make sure your meatballs are drained of excess liquid before layering, and don’t overload with marinara.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking dish or two pans to make 24 sliders.

Can these be made vegetarian?

Yes—swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Can I freeze leftover sliders?

Yes, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.

Do I need to use fresh parsley?

No, dried parsley works just fine. Use half the amount of fresh if substituting.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or use spicy marinara.

What sides go best with these sliders?

They pair well with a simple salad, roasted veggies, or fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Easy pull-apart meatball sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic meatball sub, baked in slider form for easy sharing. With melty mozzarella, savory meatballs, and buttery garlic rolls, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve them for dinner, at parties, or on game day, these sliders will disappear fast.