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Sweet & Savory BBQ Meatball Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending delicious flavors that cater to both savory and sweet palates. These sliders are perfect for gatherings, game days, or any casual get-together where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The beauty of sliders lies in their versatility; they can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making them a go-to option for any occasion.

Kid-Friendly BBQ Meatball Sliders for Dinner

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser with Sweet & Savory BBQ Meatball Sliders! Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these sliders combine juicy meatballs in rich BBQ sauce with fresh toppings. Customize them with ground beef or turkey to suit your taste. Easy to prepare and delicious, they’re sure to impress your guests with minimal effort. From family dinners to festive celebrations, this recipe is a must-have for your kitchen!

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

For the BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (you can use store-bought or your favorite homemade version)

1 tablespoon honey (to add sweetness and balance the acidity)

For Assembly:

8 slider buns (mini burger buns)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup sliced fresh tomatoes

Slices of cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the meatballs.

    Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

      Shape the Meatballs: Lightly grease your hands and scoop out the mixture, shaping it into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.

        Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

          Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and warmed through, then remove it from the heat and set aside.

            Assemble the Sliders: Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven. For each slider, place a hot meatball on the bottom half of a slider bun. Drizzle a generous amount of your BBQ sauce over each meatball, and top with a handful of shredded lettuce and a few slices of fresh tomato. For an optional extra touch, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cap off each slider with the top half of the bun.

              Serve: Arrange your assembled sliders on a stylish platter and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. These deliciously sweet and savory BBQ meatball sliders are sure to be a hit!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8 sliders

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish the platter with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns for added visual appeal. Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy!