Smashed Meatball Sliders

Sharing is caring!

Who doesn’t love a slider? and this recipe for smashed meatball slider is melt in your mouth delicious!

With a yummy blend of homemade meatballs, cheese, marinara sauce, fresh basil on fluffy slider buns you’ll have the whole crowd drooling!

There is nothing worse than biting into your burger or slider and the meatball escaping and sliding down your shirt! That is why I decided to give these smashed meatballs a try! I know love this smashed meatball/ burger trend, you get a delicious caramelized on the edge of your meatballs which adds another yummy texture and taste.  

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I think your love how these sliders provide a satisfying combination of savory and crispy elements. Just like the classic version, you can customize these with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Something Different: Experience a new twist on classic sliders with perfectly smashed meatballs for added texture.

Caramelized Flavors: Enjoy the delicious combo of juicy meatballs with crispy caramelised edges, all nestled in soft slider buns.

Easily Customizable: Top them your way with favorite toppings and sauces.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, quick meals, or game day.

Irresistible Comfort Food: These sliders will become your go-to favorite with their one-of-a-kind twist.

What You’ll Need To Make Smashed Meatball Sliders 

• Pork Mince
• Beef Mince
• Bread Crumbs
• Minced Garlic
• Bbq Rub
• Egg
• Bread rolls
• Butter
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil

Recipe for Smashed Meatball Sliders

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mix

Add your bread crumbs, minced garlic, BBQ rub, and egg to a large mixing bowl. Mix together until and then let stand for 5 minute

Then add the ground pork and ground beef and mix thoroughly.

Add another egg if the meatballs are too dry and more bread crumbs if too wet. Next, form the ground meat into 3-4 oz meatballs.

Place all the meatballs into the fridge to set for 30 minutes. Preheat your smoker to 300°F which is a medium-low heat.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat the griddle to about 400-425°F. Place the meatballs down and allow them to start cooking for about 60-90 seconds. Then, flip the balls over to the other side. Use your spatula to gently press down on each meatball to flatten them out. You want the meatballs to be about 1/3″ to 1/2″ thick.

Don’t press the meatballs to thin as they may start to crumble.

Let the meatballs to cook on the first side for about 4-5 minutes, when you start to see a crust on the meatballs you can flip then and cook until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Step 3: Assembling the Sliders

Add about 1-2 tablespoons of butter to the griddle and spread the melted butter around with the spatula while the meatballs are cooking.

Start by toasting the slider buns in butter until they’re lightly golden. Then, remove them from the heat.

While the meatball patties are cooking, place smaller slices of cheese on top of them and let the cheese melt. Once it’s melted, take the cooked meatballs off the heat.

Next, assemble the meatball sliders. Spread some warm marinara sauce on both the top and bottom of the toasted buns, and add a sprinkle of chopped basil for garnish.

Finally, place the cooked meatballs between the buns, and serve your delicious sliders while they’re still warm!

Preparing The Ingredients For Cooking 

Before you start cooking the meatballs on the griddle, it’s best to make sure that the rest of your ingredients are ready. 

This means: 

• Chopping the fresh basil and/or parsley for garnishing your meatball sliders.
• Having your butter and slider buns nearby and the packages opened so that you’re ready to toast the buns on the griddle.
• Cutting the cheese into smaller squares so you have them on hand to put into your sliders. 
• Heating some of your store-bought marinara sauce in a saucepan on the griddle. You can begin warming the sauce while you’re cooking the meatballs, and move the pan on and off the griddle as needed.

What Temperature to Cook the Meatballs At

The meatballs should be cooked at about 300°F. 

Hence, heat the griddle to this temperature before commencing the cooking process. 

What Internal Temperature Do the Meatballs Need to Reach

You want to make sure that they are at an internal meat temperature of 165°F before removing them from the smoker.

How Long to Cook the Smashed Meatballs For

It should take around 35-45 minutes for the meatballs to finish cooking. 

Can You Use Frozen Meatballs? 

Yes, you absolutely can! Frozen meatballs can act as a  great shortcut if you don’t have time to make them from scratch.

Although, you may be compromising on your finished product’s freshness. 

Just be sure to follow the package directions regarding cook time.

Can You Make Smashed Meatball Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes, the recipe components can be made ahead of time.

For example, the meatballs could be baked ahead and combined with the sauce prior to the date you plan to serve the dish. 

However, be sure you only assemble your sliders close to serving time so that the bread doesn’t go soggy.

Preparing The Smashed Meatball Sliders 

While the meatballs are cooking, add about 1-2 tablespoons of butter to a clear area on the griddle and spread the melted butter around with your spatula.

Toast the slider buns cut side down in the butter until lightly golden brown, then remove them from the griddle.

When meatball patties are just about done, top with cheese.

Allow the cheese to melt, then remove the cooked smashed meatballs from the griddle.

Lastly, it is time to assemble the meatball sliders. Add a bit of warm marinara sauce to the top and bottom of the toasted buns.

Sprinkle on some chopped basil for garnish. Add the most important ingredient- the smashed meatballs and make sure you serve this dish piping hot! 

What To Serve With Smashed Meatball Sliders 

Meatball slider sides can be as delicious as the sliders themselves. And the right sides compliments the meatball subs perfectly.

Some favourites;

Smoked Pickles

Smoked Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Here are some more sides to serve with your meatball sliders

How To Store Leftover Smashed Meatball Sliders? 

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

However, it’s best to assemble the sliders closer to the time of serving. 

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?