Name: Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 slider buns; 12 cooked meatballs (beef or turkey); 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! Ready to wow your friends and family with a delicious, shareable snack? These Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter are everything you love—soft, pillowy rolls stuffed with juicy Italian meatballs, melty mozzarella, and topped with a golden garlic parmesan butter. Whether it’s game day, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weeknight in, these sliders always steal the show. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter Recipe

Irresistible combo of garlicky, buttery rolls and savory meatballs in every bite.
Super easy to prepare—a total crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, and family dinners or as a hearty appetizer.
Customizable with your favorite cheeses, sauces, or even plant-based meatballs.
Makes a fun, hands-on meal that everyone will love pulling apart!

Ingredients for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

12 slider rolls (Hawaiian-style or soft dinner rolls work best)
12 cooked Italian-style meatballs (homemade or store-bought, about 1-inch each)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the slider rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet. Place the bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom buns.
Place a cooked meatball on each bun.
Top each meatball with a spoonful of the remaining marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Carefully set the top halves of the rolls over the cheese-topped meatballs.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt & pepper.
Brush the garlic parmesan butter generously over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 7-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm—pull-apart style!

Notes and Helpful Tips for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

If using frozen meatballs, make sure they're fully heated before assembling. For more info, check out this guide to cooking meatballs.
Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without tearing.
Lightly tenting with foil prevents the tops from over-browning while the cheese melts below.

Variations: Make These Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter Your Own

Spicy Version: Add sliced pickled jalapeños and use spicy marinara for extra kick.
Cheesy Chicken: Swap beef meatballs for chicken and use provolone or fontina cheese.
Vegetarian Sliders: Use plant-based meatballs and your favorite dairy-free cheese for a meatless option.

Required Equipment for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

9x13-inch baking dish
Serrated bread knife
Small mixing bowl
Basting brush
Foil

Storage Instructions for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-12 minutes until hot.
Not recommended for freezing, as the rolls may become soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

Pair with a crisp green salad or crunchy coleslaw for balance.
Serve alongside oven-baked fries or garlic roasted veggies.
Perfect with sparkling water, a cold beer, or your favorite Italian red!

Pro Tips for the Best Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor (learn how to shred cheese like a pro).
Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before pulling apart so the cheese sets slightly.
Customize your garlic parmesan butter with a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra herbs for added flavor (compound butter ideas here).

FAQ: Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?: Yes, assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving.
What kind of rolls work best?: Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work best, but any soft dinner roll will do.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?: Spread the sauce evenly and avoid over-saturating the rolls; a quick bake at high heat ensures a crisp top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Garlic Parmesan Butter