Meatball Slider Bombs Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings:

• 2 (13.8 ounce) cans refrigerated pizza dough
• 24 frozen party-size meatballs, thawed slightly
• 2/3 cup marinara sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Additional optional seasonings include crushed red pepper flakes, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, or minced garlic
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

Step 2: Roll one can of dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle slightly larger than the muffin tin. Place the dough on top of the muffin tin and lightly press it into each muffin cup. (Alternatively, place a second mini muffin pan on top of the dough to press it into each cup.)

Step 3: Place a meatball into each muffin cup and top each with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Roll the remaining dough into a similar rectangle and place it on top of the filled muffin cups. Press the dough to seal each section, then use a knife to cut the dough around each cup, forming 24 individual meatball sliders.

Step 5: For each muffin cup, bring the top corner of the dough to meet the bottom corner on the opposite side. Repeat with the other side, twist the dough lightly on top, and pinch to seal. Repeat for all sections.

Step 6: Place the oil in a small bowl and season it with any optional seasonings, if desired. Brush the oil over each meatball slider and sprinkle them evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 24 minutes or until the sliders are golden brown and toasted.

Step 8: Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	214
Total Fat	12g (15%)
Saturated Fat	4g (18%)
Cholesterol	26mg (9%)
Sodium	422mg (18%)
Total Carbohydrate	18g (7%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (5%)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	8g (17%)
Vitamin C	0mg (0%)
Calcium	79mg (6%)
Iron	2mg (8%)
Potassium	152mg (3%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Fascinating Story Behind Meatball Slider Bombs

Meatball Slider Bombs are a modern twist on the classic Italian meatball sandwich. While traditional meatballs have been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, the idea of combining them with bite-sized slider bread and baking them as individual bombs is a contemporary innovation, likely inspired by the American love for appetizers and party foods. These mini creations are designed for convenience and visual appeal, allowing the rich flavors of Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese to be enjoyed in a single, handheld bite.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although rooted in Italian culinary traditions, Meatball Slider Bombs are primarily popular in the United States. They are especially favored in regions with strong Italian-American communities, such as New York, New Jersey, and Chicago. Regional variations may include adding spicy sausage meatballs in the Midwest or using a blend of provolone and mozzarella cheese in the Northeast. Some versions incorporate local bread types or specialty sauces, giving each area a unique take on the dish.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Dishes

Unlike regular meatball sandwiches or sliders, these bombs are fully enclosed in pizza dough, creating a sealed pocket that locks in flavor and prevents mess. Traditional sliders simply layer meat and toppings between buns, while these bombs ensure that every bite has the perfect ratio of dough, cheese, sauce, and meatball. This makes them ideal for parties, as they can be picked up and eaten without utensils.

Typical Serving Settings

Meatball Slider Bombs are most commonly served as appetizers at gatherings, game-day events, or casual dinner parties. Their small size and convenient packaging make them excellent finger foods for buffets or potlucks. They are also occasionally featured on caf or bar menus as a sharable snack, often accompanied by extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Interesting Facts About Meatball Slider Bombs

• The concept of slider bombs combines two culinary trends: mini sliders and stuffed dough treats, which have become extremely popular in American cuisine over the past decade.
• Using refrigerated pizza dough for the crust is a practical shortcut that ensures consistent results without compromising flavor or texture.
• These sliders can be customized endlessly, from adding different cheeses and herbs to experimenting with sauces, making them a versatile option for creative cooks.
• Despite their modern presentation, the dish honors traditional Italian flavors, including marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan, blending heritage with convenience.
• The visual appeal of the golden-brown dough encasing a juicy meatball makes them particularly popular on social media food platforms, where presentation can be as important as taste.

FAQ about Meatball Slider Bombs Recipe

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