Meatball Sliders

Meatball sliders, a delightful variation of the classic meatball sub, have become a popular appetizer and party food in recent years. These miniature sandwiches pack all the flavors of the traditional Italian-American meatball sub but in a smaller, more manageable size.

The concept of the slider originated in the early 20th century with the hamburger slider, popularized by White Castle in the 1920s. These small, square burgers were designed to be eaten quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy workers and families. The term "slider" eventually expanded to include various types of mini sandwiches.

Meatballs themselves have a rich history, dating back to ancient times. Various cultures have their own versions of meatballs, but the Italian-American version we are familiar with today evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, where meatballs became a staple in Italian-American cuisine.

Combining the concept of sliders with meatballs was a natural progression. Meatball sliders likely gained popularity in the early 2000s as American food culture embraced the trend of bite-sized, shareable foods. They quickly became a favorite at parties, sports events, and casual gatherings.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

How to Prepare Meatball Sliders

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns or small dinner rolls

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Olive oil for brushing

Procedure

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

Mix the ingredients until well combined, but do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 12 meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil.

Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned all over but not fully cooked through.

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.

Assemble the Sliders:

While the meatballs are baking, lightly toast the slider buns or dinner rolls in the oven or on a skillet.

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and place one meatball on the bottom half of each slider bun.

Spoon a bit of the marinara sauce over each meatball.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs.

Melt the Cheese:

Preheat your broiler.

Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serve:

Remove the sliders from the oven and top each one with a fresh basil leaf, if desired.

Place the top half of the buns on each slider.

Serve the meatball sliders warm, and enjoy!

Comments

Pork Gyros with Tzatziki and Sweet Chili Sauce

The gyro, a popular Greek dish, has a rich history rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean. The word "gyro" comes from the Greek word "gyros," meaning "turn," which refers to the way the meat is cooked—on a vertical rotisserie that spins slowly, allowing the outer layers to crisp up while the inner layers stay juicy. Gyros have their origins in the Turkish döner kebab and the Middle Eastern shawarma, both of which involve cooking meat on a rotating spit. The modern gyro as we know it today became widely popular in Greece in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. It is believed that Greek immigrants who returned from the Ottoman Empire brought the concept of cooking meat on a vertical spit with them. While beef and lamb are common in other countries, pork is the traditional meat used in Greece for gyros. Over time, the gyro became a staple of Greek street food, often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and the famous tzatziki sauce—a creamy ...

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fusion of two beloved American comfort foods: the classic grilled cheese sandwich and the jalapeño popper. The grilled cheese sandwich, with roots dating back to ancient times, gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s with the advent of pre-sliced bread and affordable cheese. On the other hand, the jalapeño popper, a dish consisting of jalapeños stuffed with cheese and deep-fried, has Mexican-American origins and became a popular appetizer in the United States in the late 20th century. The combination of these two iconic dishes likely emerged in the early 2000s as part of a broader trend of creative, indulgent comfort food mashups. The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements of a jalapeño popper with the melty, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This hybrid dish quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts for its bold flavors and satisfying ...

Dessert Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless comfort food, dating back to the early 20th century. The classic version, made with bread and melted cheese, became popular in America during the Great Depression due to its simplicity and affordability. As with many culinary staples, grilled cheese has evolved over the decades, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. One of the more recent innovations is the dessert grilled cheese sandwich, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that has captivated food lovers. The concept of dessert grilled cheese sandwiches likely emerged from the broader trend of blending sweet and savory flavors in cuisine. While the exact origin is unclear, this trend gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as chefs began to push the boundaries of traditional dishes. The dessert grilled cheese sandwich can be seen as a playful twist on the classic, where the savory elements (usually cheese) are paired with sweet ...

Exploring the Fusion of Flavors: French Dip Egg Rolls

The French dip sandwich, originating from Los Angeles in the early 20th century, is a beloved classic featuring thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll, accompanied by a side of au jus for dipping. Its popularity has transcended generations, with various adaptations and interpretations emerging over time. The concept of combining the elements of a French dip sandwich with the crispy shell of an egg roll likely emerged as a creative culinary experiment, blending the familiar flavors of the sandwich with the crispy texture of the egg roll wrapper. While the exact origins of French Dip Egg Rolls remain unclear, their emergence reflects the dynamic nature of culinary innovation, where traditional recipes are reimagined and transformed into exciting new creations. Crispy Fusion Delight: How to Prepare Big Mac Egg Rolls Ingredients - Thinly sliced roast beef - Provolone or Swiss cheese slices - Egg roll wrappers - Olive oil (for frying) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Fresh parsley (...

A Delectable Classic: Cream of Tomato Soup - Recipe, History, and Preparation Guide

The roots of Cream of Tomato Soup trace back to ancient civilizations where tomatoes were first cultivated in Central and South America. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that tomatoes made their way to Europe, where they were initially met with skepticism due to misconceptions about their toxicity. Eventually, tomatoes gained popularity and became a staple ingredient in European cuisine. The earliest known recipe resembling modern Cream of Tomato Soup dates back to the 19th century. In 1872, Maria Parloa, an American author and cooking expert, published a recipe for "Tomato Chowder" in her book, "Miss Parloa's New Cook Book." This recipe laid the foundation for what would later evolve into Cream of Tomato Soup. As culinary techniques advanced and ingredients became more accessible, Cream of Tomato Soup grew in popularity, especially during the 20th century. It became a symbol of comfort and nostalgia, often associated with homemade meals and cozy ga...

Foodpackstore Blog

Search This Blog