Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 large egg
• cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 18 dinner rolls
• 2 cups spicy tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked onion-garlic mixture, chopped parsley, egg, bread crumbs, and 1 large handful of shredded fontina cheese (reserve the rest for topping). Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well by hand until just combined.

Step 4: Scoop the meat mixture into 24 mini muffin cups. The meatballs dont need to be perfectly round. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center. Keep the oven on for later steps.

Step 5: While the meatballs are cooling slightly, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter starts to bubble, add the remaining 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and then immediately remove from heat. Set the garlic butter aside.

Step 6: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with the remaining olive oil. Place the dinner rolls on the sheet, still attached to each other. Cut a hole in the top of each roll, about 2/3 of the way down.

Step 7: Brush the garlic butter over the inside and outside of the rolls. Bake in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Once the rolls are golden, pour about 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce into each hole. Stuff each hole with a meatball. Top with a spoonful of tomato sauce, the remaining fontina cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Step 9: Return the rolls to the oven and continue baking for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish with extra chopped parsley. Let the rolls sit for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring to a serving platter.

Chef's Notes

• Feel free to substitute provolone cheese for the fontina if you prefer.
• If you dont have Hawaiian rolls, try using regular dinner rolls, though the sweetness of the Hawaiian variety adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
• This technique was first seen on a blog called "Cooking for Keeps" - credit goes to them for the idea!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 10g (13% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (42% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 78mg (26% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 654mg (28% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 46g (17% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 21g (42% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (4% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 53mg (4% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 170mg (4% Daily Value)

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

Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders are a delicious fusion of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and garlicky goodness stuffed inside dinner rolls. These sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic meatball sub, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual gathering.

History of Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders

The origins of Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders can be traced to the American love of hearty comfort food. Combining two popular dishesmeatball subs and garlic breadthis recipe was likely influenced by Italian-American cuisine, which often features meatballs and rich tomato sauces. The concept of using soft rolls as the base for stuffed sandwiches is not new and can be seen in various forms across the globe. However, these sliders take it a step further by infusing them with garlic butter and gooey melted cheese, turning them into a fun finger-food option thats perfect for sharing.

Regional Variations and Influences

While the basic concept of meatball subs is common in the United States, regional variations of stuffed garlic bread sliders are also popular. In the northeastern states, where Italian-American cuisine is deeply rooted, you might find variations with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. On the West Coast, these sliders may be made with spicier sauces or with the addition of fresh herbs like basil. Each region adds its own flair, adapting the sliders to local tastes and preferences.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

What sets Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders apart from other similar dishes is the combination of two distinct elements: the soft dinner rolls and the stuffed meatballs. Unlike a traditional meatball sub, which is made using a hoagie roll or baguette, these sliders use a small, sweet dinner roll that gives the dish a more bite-sized, casual appeal. The garlic butter brushed on the rolls creates a crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy meatballs and melted cheese. The result is a fun, snackable version of a classic meatball sub.

Common Occasions and Where They Are Served

Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders are a popular choice for informal gatherings such as tailgates, game day parties, and family barbecues. They are also frequently served at potlucks and are a favorite at casual gatherings where finger foods are preferred. The sliders portability and ease of eating make them ideal for events where guests are mingling or need a quick bite. These sliders are a great alternative to traditional sandwiches and are a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Interesting Facts About the Dish

1. The idea of stuffing meatballs into bread rolls is thought to have been inspired by the Italian "panino" (small sandwich), which often includes a variety of fillings such as meats, cheese, and vegetables.
2. Garlic bread is a staple in Italian-American cuisine, and when combined with meatballs, it creates an irresistible flavor combination.
3. The use of Hawaiian rolls in this recipe adds a sweet, soft element that contrasts beautifully with the savory meatballs and rich garlic butter, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event.
4. While the recipe originally uses fontina cheese, it's common to swap in other types of cheese like mozzarella or provolone based on personal preferences.
5. These sliders are highly customizablemany people enjoy adding extra ingredients such as sauted onions, bell peppers, or even spicy sauces to ramp up the flavor.

FAQ about Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders

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