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Savory Meatball Sliders with Mozzarella and Basil

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These savory meatball sliders with mozzarella and basil are quick, easy, and perfect for parties. They combine juicy meatballs, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella on soft slider buns for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 small to medium-sized frozen or homemade Italian-style meatballs (beef and pork mix recommended)
  • 10 soft slider buns or dinner rolls (potato buns preferred)
  • 10 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 20 medium-sized fresh basil leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing buns)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing buns)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add meatballs and stir to coat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through. Keep sauce warm.
  3. Slice slider buns horizontally, leaving a hinge to keep halves attached.
  4. Arrange bottom halves of buns snugly in the baking dish. Brush each bottom bun with melted butter.
  5. Place one or two warm meatballs on each bottom bun half depending on size.
  6. Top each meatball with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
  7. Add fresh basil leaves on top of the mozzarella.
  8. Spread a spoonful of warmed marinara sauce over the basil, avoiding drenching the buns.
  9. Close each slider with the top bun. Brush tops with olive oil or melted butter.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the tops.
  12. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 2 more minutes to melt.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  14. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh sliced mozzarella for best melting and texture. Brush buns with melted butter or olive oil before baking to prevent sogginess and add flavor. Do not over-sauce to avoid messy sliders. Sliders can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sliders, mozzarella, basil, party food, easy recipe, appetizer, finger food, quick snack

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/savory-meatball-sliders-with-mozzarella-and-basil-easy-homemade-recipe-for-parties/