Easy BBQ Meatball Sliders
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These Easy BBQ Meatball Sliders are the ultimate game day appetizer! Tender meatballs cooked in tangy BBQ sauce and topped with melty cheese, these sliders are bound to be a favorite.
BBQ meatball sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where delicious comfort food is a must. These bite-sized sandwiches pack big flavors, combining juicy meatballs coated in tangy BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and soft, buttery buns.
There’s something about the combination of smoky BBQ flavors, tender meatballs, and melted cheese that screams “party food.” These sliders are ideal for serving a hungry crowd, offering a simple grab-and-go option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Best of all, you can prepare them ahead of time, so you won’t miss a single play while stuck in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or a casual weekend hangout, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages. They’re easy to prepare, customizable to your liking, and, most importantly, downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Slider Buns – These serve as the base and top of the sliders, holding all the delicious components together. Soft and fluffy buns are ideal to soak up the BBQ sauce without becoming soggy.
- Frozen Meatballs – Frozen meatballs are convenient and time-saving.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce to add a sweet, smokey, tangy flavor to the meatballs. We like to make our own Memphis BBQ sauce.
- Provolone Cheese – Layered over the meatballs, this cheese melts perfectly!
- Butter – A small amount of butter is brushed over the slider buns to give them a glossy finish.
- Sesame Seeds – These are sprinkled on top of the buns for a beautiful finish.
Sliders are the way to go for any party and they come in so many different varieties you could make a different slider recipe for every weekend during football season! Some of our top recipes are our Chicken Parmesan Sliders, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, and Meatball Sliders (this is the Italian kind). Make sure to check out the BEST slider recipes and keep the party going all year long!
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Meatballs
- Prepping the Slider Buns. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a casserole dish and arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns inside. This keeps everything secure during assembly and baking.
- Cook the Meatballs. Place the frozen meatballs in a large pot and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Cook over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks, coating the meatballs perfectly.
- Assembling the Sliders – Place one meatball into the center of each bottom bun. Spoon some extra BBQ sauce over the meatballs for added flavor.
- Add the Cheese. Lay a halved slice of provolone cheese over each meatball, ensuring full coverage.
- Final Layer. Cover the sliders with the top halves of the buns and wrap the casserole dish tightly with foil.
- Baking the Sliders. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil, brush the buns with melted butter, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Serve. Serve warm with a side of homemade coleslaw.
What to Serve with BBQ Meatballs Sliders
Side Dishes
- Coleslaw: Pair these with some classic homemade coleslaw or our delicious apple coleslaw.
- Potato Salad: Perfectly creamy and delicious sour cream potato salad or mustard potato salad complements any BBQ dish!
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy and indulgent, a great addition to any BBQ spread.
- Baked Beans: This classic southern side dish is simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
How to Store and Reheat BBQ Meatball Sliders
Storing BBQ Meatball Sliders
Place leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating BBQ Meatball Sliders
- Oven Reheating (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent the buns from drying out. Heat for 10–15 minutes or until the sliders are warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 2–3 minutes of reheating.
- Microwave Reheating (Quick Option): Wrap each slider in a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 30–60 seconds per slider, depending on your microwave’s strength. Avoid overheating to prevent soggy buns or dried-out meatballs.
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Easy BBQ Meatball Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Slider Buns
- 12 Frozen Meatballs
- 15 ounces BBQ Sauce
- 6 slices Provolone Cheese
- 3 tablespoons Butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a greased casserole dish.
- Place the meatballs in a large pot and pour the bottle of BBQ sauce over them.
- Cook the meatballs over medium high heat for 10 – 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Once cooked place a meatball on each slider bun and spoon a little sauce over the meatballs. .
- Cover the meatballs in a layer of provolone cheese.
- Place the top buns over the meatballs and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven, brush the melted butter over the buns and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes.
Nutrition
I love how simple this recipe is, yet how insanely delicious they look! I’ve got plans to bring these to a potluck very soon!