These Meatball Slider Bombs are a guaranteed hit for any game day or party, delivering the perfect bite-sized combination of juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and savory garlic butter—all wrapped in a soft, buttery roll. Baked until golden and gooey, these sliders will be the star of the show. Whether you’re serving them at a tailgate or a casual get-together, they’re sure to please a crowd.

Meatball Slider Bombs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Meatball Slider Bombs are the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors you love in one irresistible package. From the tender, flavorful meatballs to the melty mozzarella and the buttery, herby topping, every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd, making them an ideal choice for game days or any party. The best part? They’re customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice levels or cheese to your liking. A quick bake, and you’ve got a hot, cheesy appetizer everyone will adore!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup marinara sauce

For the Slider Bombs:

12 dinner rolls or slider buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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

Directions

Make the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated, then roll the mixture into 12 small meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Once baked, toss the meatballs in marinara sauce and set aside.
Assemble the Slider Bombs:
Cut the tops off each dinner roll and slightly hollow out the center of each one. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese inside each roll, place a meatball on top, and cover with more cheese. Replace the tops of the rolls to enclose the meatballs and cheese.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Bake to Perfection:
Arrange the slider bombs in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish the slider bombs with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slider bombs
Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Meatball Sliders: Add more red pepper flakes or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
Cheese Lovers Version: Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for a cheesy, melty interior.
Veggie Version: Swap the meatballs with veggie patties made from lentils or quinoa for a meat-free alternative.
Pesto Sauce: Instead of marinara sauce, drizzle pesto over the meatballs for a fresh, herby twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These Meatball Slider Bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in a covered baking dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven method will keep them extra crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the flavor of the leaner meat.

2. Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze these Meatball Slider Bombs?

Yes, these can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, but you’ll need to add extra baking time.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works just fine. If you have extra time, you can make your own homemade marinara for a more flavorful touch.

5. Can I make these without cheese?

Yes, you can leave out the cheese if you prefer. However, the cheese adds a lot of flavor and gooeyness that really makes these sliders special.

6. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can use any type of small rolls or slider buns. Brioche buns would add a slightly sweet flavor, while whole wheat rolls could offer a more hearty base.

7. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy rolls, be sure not to overfill them with sauce. A light coating of marinara on the meatballs will be enough to keep them moist without making the bread soggy.

8. Can I add more herbs to the garlic butter?

Definitely! You can add extra fresh herbs such as basil or thyme to the garlic butter mixture for added flavor. Fresh parsley, rosemary, or oregano would complement the garlic perfectly.

9. Are these sliders spicy?

The sliders aren’t spicy unless you add the optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer them mild, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes.

10. Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?

Yes! Extra marinara sauce or even ranch dressing would pair wonderfully with these sliders. You could also serve them with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for more heat.

Conclusion

Meatball Slider Bombs are the ultimate game-day treat—perfectly cheesy, savory, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just looking for a tasty snack, these slider bombs will impress every time. They’re easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious! Try them at your next party, and watch them disappear in no time.