Meatball Sliders– The Ultimate Game Day Favorite
Upgrade your Super Bowl spread with these juicy, protein-packed meatball sliders on whole grain buns! Made with lean turkey or beef, flavorful marinara, and melty cheese, these sliders offer all the classic taste with a healthier twist. Whole grain bread adds fiber and nutrients, making them a better-for-you game-day snack without sacrificing flavor.
Meatball Sliders – The Ultimate Game Day Favorite
Recipe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
🏈 Game Day Just Got Healthier with These Meatball Sliders! 🍔🔥
Who says Super Bowl snacks can’t be delicious and nutritious? These juicy meatball sliders pack all the bold, savory flavor you crave, but with a healthier twist! Made with lean turkey or beef, zesty marinara, and gooey melted cheese, they’re served on soft whole grain buns for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. Perfectly bite-sized and easy to grab during the game, these sliders are a must-have for your football party. Whether you're hosting a crowd or keeping it low-key, these healthier meatball sliders will be a touchdown on your snack table! 🙌🎉
Kitchen Tools Needed
✅ Mixing Bowl – For combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
✅ Measuring Cups & Spoons – To accurately portion ingredients like breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and marinara sauce.
✅ Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Pan – If baking the meatballs, you'll need a lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
✅ Skillet & Tongs – If pan-searing the meatballs, use a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet and tongs for even browning.
✅ Spatula or Slotted Spoon – To transfer meatballs from the pan or baking sheet to the slider buns.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
✅ 1 lb lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
✅ ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
✅ 1 egg, beaten
✅ 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅ ½ tsp onion powder
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅
¼ tsp black pepper
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Sliders:
✅
12 mini whole grain slider buns
✅ 1 cup marinara sauce (low-sodium preferred)
✅ 6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in half (or provolone)
✅ 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix & Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and seasonings.
Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
Roll into 12 equal-sized meatballs (~1 ½ inches each).
2️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Pour in marinara sauce, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
3️⃣ Assemble the Sliders
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place bottom halves of slider buns on a baking sheet.
Add a spoonful of marinara sauce, then place a meatball on each bun.
Top with ½ slice of mozzarella and the bun lid.
4️⃣ Bake for Melted Goodness
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are warm.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley (optional).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
🥗 Make It Even Healthier!
✔ Swap the bun for lettuce wraps to go low-carb.
✔ Use ground chicken or plant-based meat for a different twist.
✔ Boost the fiber with extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms in the meatball mix.
🔥 Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the meatballs ahead of time and reheat in marinara sauce before assembling!
Nutrition Information: These mini meatball sliders are a touchdown-worthy snack that’ll have your guests going back for seconds! 🏈🔥
Serving: 1 slider
Calories:
225 kcal | Carbohydrates:
30g | Protein:
9g | Fat:
3g
This makes it a balanced, protein-rich snack with fiber from the whole grain bun.
Benefits of Meatball Sliders
High in Protein for Sustained Energy
Each mini slider packs 8.5g of protein, making it a great game-day snack that keeps you full and energized without the post-game slump. The lean turkey or beef provides high-quality protein to help fuel your body while enjoying the Super Bowl!
Made with Whole Grains for Extra Fiber
Unlike traditional sliders, these are served on whole grain buns, adding fiber and essential nutrients. Fiber helps with digestion, keeps you full longer, and supports heart health, making this a smarter choice for game-day munching.
Lower in Fat but Still Delicious
By using lean ground turkey or beef, this recipe reduces saturated fat compared to regular meatball sliders. Instead of frying, the meatballs are baked or pan-seared, keeping them juicy without excess oil.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Easy to Make
These meatball sliders can be made ahead of time and simply reheated before serving. They’re easy to assemble, great for crowds, and can be kept warm in a slow cooker for hassle-free entertaining!
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