If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and utterly irresistible appetizer or snack, this Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. Picture soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with juicy, flavorful meatballs, all smothered in creamy cheese, zesty marinara, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Each bite bursts with layers of savory goodness, making these sliders perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you get a taste of these sliders, they’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together with ease but are essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe. From the soft Hawaiian rolls to the rich cheeses and Italian seasoning, each element plays a crucial role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Hawaiian rolls (12-count): Their slight sweetness and pillowy texture make these the perfect slider base.
- Cream cheese (3 oz, room temperature): Adds a creamy tang that pairs wonderfully with marinara.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp plus extra): Brings a fragrant herbaceous kick that embodies classic Italian flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1¼ cups, divided): Melts beautifully and provides that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, divided): Offers rich tomato flavor and moisture to complement the meatballs.
- Frozen meatballs (12 – ½ oz each, thawed): The hearty star filling of each slider, providing savory protein.
- Butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps the Parmesan cheese brown beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkles in a sharp, salty edge on the buttery tops.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375ºF to get it ready for baking. While it’s heating up, cut your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so each sandwich comes with a soft bottom and a golden top. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet and broil them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds a slight crispness and enhances their natural sweetness. Once toasted, place the bottoms in your baking pan, creating the perfect foundation for your sliders.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese with half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This mixture isn’t just creamy; it elevates the sliders with an herby, flavorful base layer that complements the meatballs and marinara ultimately layered on top. Spreading this on the bottom half of your rolls ensures every bite is luscious and full of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheese and Sauce Layers
Spread the seasoned cream cheese evenly over all the bottom rolls. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese, then spoon half a cup of marinara sauce on top of the mozzarella. This trio layers create a melty, tangy base that perfectly hugs the meatball filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Roll Tops and Meatballs
Using a one-inch round cutter, carefully cut a hole out of the center of each roll top. This clever trick creates a little pocket for the meatballs, making each slider tidy but packed with flavor. Toss your thawed meatballs in the remaining half cup of marinara sauce to soak them in that rich tomato goodness, then nestle one sauced meatball in each roll top’s hole.
Step 5: Butter, Season, and Bake
Mix the melted butter and the remaining half teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush this buttery, herb-infused mixture all over the assembled rolls — this step is essential for adding a golden, flavorful crust. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese atop everything for that irresistible savory punch. Cover your pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bake Again
After the initial bake, remove the foil and discard it carefully. Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of mozzarella cheese over the rolls, then return them to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes. This final bake gives you the ooey, gooey cheese finish that completes the sliders in perfect fashion.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, slice your sliders apart and dig in. Soft, juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor — these Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe bites are ready to make any snack or meal unforgettable.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the sliders before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan on top also boosts the flavor and adds a visually appealing finish. If you like a touch of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy mayo makes for an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
Because these sliders are hearty and packed with flavor, pairing them with light, crisp sides creates perfect balance. Try serving them alongside a fresh garden salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For an extra snackable spread, add some kettle chips or veggies with dip on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, arrange these sliders on a large wooden board or tray with fresh herbs and small bowls of extra marinara sauce and dipping sauces. For a fun presentation, serve them on mini cupcake liners or stack them as mini sandwiches to turn heads. You can even make “slider towers” for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to grab a tasty bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your slider feast, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another time, freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders in a freezer-safe container, well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They should keep well for up to two months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking them as directed.
Reheating
To bring your leftover sliders back to life, reheat them in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Using the oven keeps the bread soft and the meatballs juicy, much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook them fully before assembling the sliders. The flavor and texture will be just as delightful.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily substitute meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based options. There are many tasty veggie meatballs on the market that will make your sliders just as satisfying.
Is it necessary to cut a hole in the roll tops?
Cutting a hole is a great way to nestle each meatball securely, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and place the meatballs on the bottom rolls instead. The sliders just won’t have that fun “pocket” presentation.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate before baking. This makes hosting so much easier.
What other types of cheese could I use?
Mozzarella is classic, but you could experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about assembling these sliders that makes the entire process fun and rewarding. With the perfect combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and flavorful sauce, the Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe brings joy to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious snack, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring tender meatballs nestled inside sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a creamy Italian-seasoned spread, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce. Baked to perfection with a buttery, cheesy crust, these sliders are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
Rolls and Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese and Sauce
- 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
Meatballs
- 12 (½-oz) frozen meatballs, thawed
Toppings
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set it aside for later use.
- Broil Roll Halves: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the cut sides facing up on a baking sheet. Place this in the oven under the broiler setting until golden brown on top. Once toasted, place the bottom halves of the rolls into the prepared pan or baking sheet.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Base Layers: Spread the seasoned cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer, then spoon ½ cup of marinara sauce on top of the mozzarella.
- Prepare Roll Tops: Use a 1-inch round cutter to cut a hole in the center of each top roll piece. Discard the cut-out bread circles. Place these roll tops on top of the assembled bottom halves.
- Prepare Meatballs: Toss the thawed meatballs with the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce until they are evenly coated. Place one sauced meatball into each hole of the roll tops.
- Butter and Season: Combine the melted butter with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Brush this seasoned butter evenly over all the rolls. Sprinkle the entire top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolls.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the uncovered sliders to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cut into 12 individual sliders, and enjoy warm as a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can use fresh meatballs if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before tossing the meatballs.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier spreading.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Instead of discarding the bread rounds cut from the roll tops, you can toast and serve them as croutons or add them to soups.
