Big Flavor, Little Effort: Perfect for Game Day
A Note from Margi
Game day food should be easy to make and delicious to share! These meatball sliders bring together soft rolls, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese in one pan. Using fully cooked meatballs keeps preparation simple, so you can spend more time enjoying the game and your company. Make them between games and have them ready for the next kickoff!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Makes: 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider rolls, 12 count
- 12 large or 24 small fully cooked meatballs, thawed if frozen
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the buttery topping:
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven. Heat to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the meatballs. Combine the fully cooked, thawed meatballs and marinara in a saucepan. Cover and heat over medium-low heat until hot throughout, following the meatball package’s heating directions. Stir occasionally.
- Prepare the rolls. Keeping the rolls connected, slice the entire slab horizontally. Place the bottom half in the baking dish and set the top half aside.
- Build the sliders. Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the bottom rolls. Add one large or two small hot meatballs per roll, then spoon the sauce over them. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Replace the top half of the rolls.
- Add the topping. Stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Brush evenly over the rolls.
- Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tops are golden.
- Serve. Let stand for 2–3 minutes, sprinkle with parsley if desired, then cut into individual sliders.
Margi’s Tip: Thaw your meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and measure out the toppings ahead of time. You’ll be ready to assemble while the oven heats!
A Final Word from Margi
Put the pan on the table, pass the napkins, and let everyone help themselves. Whether your team wins or loses, something warm and homemade makes game day a little better. Enjoy every bite—and save me a slider!
—Margi Kyle, Sunday Recipes
