Hawaiian Meatball Sliders

Introduction

Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal option for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner. With minimal preparation, these sliders are not only delicious but also pack a hearty punch with comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 12 oz. Hawaiian-style sweet rolls
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp. garlic salt
– 16 oz. frozen Italian meatballs (larger size works well so there is one per slider)
– 1–2 cups marinara sauce
– 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 13-16 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9×13 pan with foil.
2. Prepare meatballs according to package instructions. They need to be cooked and hot.
3. Keeping the buns intact, carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise so they remain together.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic salt.
5. Place one meatball onto each bun section of the sweet rolls.
6. Top each meatball with a dollop of marinara sauce.
7. Layer with cheese slices, ensuring they cover the entire bottom section of the rolls.
8. Place the top bun section back on and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
9. Bake the sliders for 13-16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

Enjoy your delightful Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Carefully line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleanup.

Prepare Meatballs

Cook the frozen Italian meatballs according to the package instructions. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly and are hot before assembling the sliders.

Slice Hawaiian Rolls

Keeping the rolls intact, carefully cut the Hawaiian-style sweet rolls in half lengthwise so that the top and bottom remain connected.

Mix Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic salt, mixing well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Assemble Sliders

Place one cooked meatball onto each bottom half of the sweet rolls. Follow each meatball with a generous dollop of marinara sauce.

Layer Cheese

Position cheese slices over the meatball and marinara combination, ensuring that the cheese covers the entire bottom section of the roll.

Top and Brush

Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the assembled ingredients. Brush the top portion with the prepared garlic butter mixture to add flavor and crispness.

Bake

Place the assembled slider tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings and can be accompanied by additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or sauces. Provolone or cheddar can be great alternatives to mozzarella.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results before serving again.

Meal Prep

These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.

Cook techniques

Preparation of Meatballs

Cook the frozen meatballs according to the package instructions. This can be done by baking, microwaving, or pan-frying. Ensure they are heated through before adding them to the sliders.

Cutting Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise while keeping them intact. This allows for easy assembly and helps maintain the structure of the sliders.

Creating Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic salt. This mixture is essential for brushing on the top buns to enhance flavor and add a golden finish when baked.

Assembly of Sliders

Place a cooked meatball on each bottom section of the rolls. Add a dollop of marinara sauce and layer with mozzarella cheese before placing the top bun on.

Baking the Sliders

Bake the assembled sliders in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 13-16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

FAQ

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are cooked and heated through before placing them on the sliders.

What type of cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for best results.

What can I serve as a side dish with these sliders?

These sliders pair well with a simple side salad, fries, or chips for a fun and casual meal.

Can I freeze the assembled sliders?

It’s not recommended to freeze assembled sliders because the buns may become soggy upon reheating. However, you can freeze cooked meatballs separately.

Conclusion

These Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a delightful choice for gatherings or family dinners. The combination of soft, buttery rolls with warm meatballs and melted cheese creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether served as appetizers or main dishes, these sliders are simple to make and pack a flavorful punch.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Swap out the meatballs for shredded BBQ chicken and layer with coleslaw for a tangy twist.

Caprese Sliders

Use fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing take.

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Fill the rolls with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and thinly sliced steak topped with provolone cheese.

Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders

For a vegetarian option, substitute with buffalo-style cauliflower bites and blue cheese dressing.

Breakfast Sliders

Layer scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon for a delicious breakfast treat.

Meatball Sub Variations

Experiment with different sauces such as pesto or arrabbiata, and cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors.