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
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
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
2Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
-
3Top each bun with a meatball, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
-
4Place the top halves of the buns over the meatballs. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
5Brush the garlic parmesan butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
-
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!