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Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

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Hawaiian roll meatball sliders are easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for parties or weeknight dinners. Soft rolls, juicy meatballs, and melty cheese come together in minutes.

A tray of baked manicotti covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley, photographed from above on a marble surface.

When I’m short on time but still want to make something warm, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing, these Hawaiian roll meatball sliders are my go-to. They’re quick to throw together, packed with comforting flavors, and always a hit with my family, especially during movie nights or game day get-togethers. There’s just something about soft, buttery rolls filled with saucy meatballs and gooey mozzarella that makes everyone happy.

I love how simple the process is. After mixing up some melted butter and garlic salt, I set it aside and cut small pockets into each slider to nestle in the meatballs. I brush the butter mixture inside and over the tops to give them that golden, garlicky finish, then add a meatball, a spoonful of marinara, and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Into the oven they go, and in just about 20 minutes, they come out bubbly and delicious.

These sliders are perfect when I need to feed a group without spending hours in the kitchen. They also make a great addition to potlucks or as an appetizer for parties. I’ve even made them for quick weeknight dinners when we’re all craving something cozy. If you’ve got meatballs and Hawaiian rolls on hand, you’re already halfway to a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Items Needed

A tray of twelve slider buns, a bowl of cooked meatballs, a bowl of marinara sauce, shredded cheese, melted butter, and breadcrumbs on a marble surface.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Hawaiian roll meatball sliders:

  • Meatballs – Provide a hearty, flavorful filling that makes the sliders satisfying and protein-packed.
  • Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps create a golden, flavorful crust on the rolls.
  • Garlic salt – Enhances the overall flavor with a savory, garlicky kick.
  • Spaghetti or Marinara Sauce – Brings moisture and classic Italian flavor to each bite.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the meatballs for a creamy, gooey texture.
  • Kings Hawaiian Rolls – Offer a sweet, soft base that pairs perfectly with the savory fillings.
  • Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor to finish the dish.

Tools you’ll need

Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:

  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Small knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven
  • Spoon

Ways To Customize

Here are some easy ways to customize this recipe:

  • Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for different flavors.
  • Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for some heat.
  • Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a smoky twist.
  • Mix chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the butter for extra aroma.
  • Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms inside the sliders for extra texture.
  • Use turkey or veggie meatballs to make it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.

How To Make It

A clear glass bowl containing melted butter mixed with seasonings and breadcrumbs on a white marble surface.

Start by mixing together the melted butter and garlic salt, and set aside.

A tray of twelve bread rolls arranged in a 3x4 grid, each with a hole scooped out from the top center.

Next, cut a hole in each of the sliders. Pull out any remaining bread so that the meatball can fit.

A hand uses a brush to apply liquid to the tops of twelve bread rolls, each with a hollowed-out center, arranged in a baking tray on a marble surface.

Brush the melted butter into the inside and the tops of each slider.

A tray of slider buns topped with tomato sauce and thick slices of mozzarella cheese, arranged in a grid pattern on a white surface.

Place a meatball, top each meatball with sauce, and a slice of mozzarella cheese.

A baking dish containing nine meatballs covered with melted, browned mozzarella cheese on a marble surface.

Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Note

Make sure to hollow out enough bread from each slider to fully fit the meatball without tearing the roll, so the sliders hold together well while baking.

Close-up of bread rolls covered in melted cheese, with cheese stretching between the rolls and topped with chopped herbs.

Storage

To store Hawaiian roll meatball sliders, place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, arrange the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. This method helps maintain their soft texture and gooey cheese, unlike microwaving, which can make the rolls soggy.

Helpful Hints

Pro tip: Fresh Roll Brush

One top tip for making Hawaiian roll meatball sliders is to use fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls and brush them generously with the butter and garlic salt mixture to ensure they stay moist and flavorful after baking.

  • Use fully cooked meatballs to save time and prevent undercooking.
  • Don’t overfill the sliders to avoid spilling sauce during baking.
  • Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking to let the cheese set.
  • Use a sharp knife to carefully hollow out the rolls without tearing.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely!
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and freshness.
A close-up of a baked stuffed bread roll filled with a meat mixture, topped with melted cheese, and shown with a bite taken out.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian roll meatball sliders are great for casual get-togethers and parties since they’re easy to eat and share. They go well with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad, which adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich sliders. You can also serve crunchy veggie sticks like carrots and celery with a creamy dip for a simple, tasty side.

For a more filling meal, try pairing the sliders with classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion rings. These familiar favorites help round out the meal and keep everyone satisfied. A side of coleslaw is also a nice option, adding a tangy bite that balances the flavors nicely.

If you want a lighter option, serve the sliders with a warm bowl of tomato soup or vegetable broth. The soup pairs wonderfully with the cheesy sliders and makes the meal feel cozy and comforting. For something different, try pairing them with my Eggplant Lasagna or Collard Green Salad with Chicken for a tasty and balanced meal.

FAQs

Fully cooked meatballs are best to save time and ensure they’re heated through without overcooking. You can use store-bought or homemade meatballs depending on your preference.

Yes, you can freeze assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.

Provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives if you want to change up the flavor. Just use slices that melt well to keep the sliders gooey and delicious.

Recipe

A tray of baked meatballs topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a marble surface.

Meatball Sliders Recipe

Easy and delicious Hawaiian roll meatball sliders made with buttery rolls, juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 49 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 145 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 Meatballs
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tbsp garlic salt
  • ½ C Spaghetti or Marinara Sauce
  • Mozzarella Cheese divided into 12 slices
  • 12 Kings Hawaiian Rolls
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by mixing together the melted butter and garlic salt, set aside.
  • Next, cut a hole into each of the sliders. Pull out any remaining bread so that the meatball can fit.
  • Brush the melted butter into the inside and the tops of each slider.
  • Place a meatball, top each meatball with sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Notes

  • If using frozen meatballs, you’ll want to heat up and cook before placing into the slider.
  • After cooking, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 737mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 103IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg
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