Juicy BBQ Meatball Sliders

Featured in: Party Food Ideas

This dish features tender homemade meatballs blended with Parmesan and herbs, baked until lightly browned, then simmered in tangy BBQ sauce. The sauced meatballs are nestled into soft slider buns, layered with melted cheddar cheese, and optionally topped with pickles or coleslaw. Baked briefly to meld flavors and melt cheese, these sliders offer a perfect combination of smoky, savory, and tangy elements. Easy to prepare and ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:01:00 GMT
Juicy BBQ Meatball sliders piled high with cheese, perfect for game day gatherings.  Save to Pinterest
Juicy BBQ Meatball sliders piled high with cheese, perfect for game day gatherings. | chomzo.com

Juicy homemade meatballs glazed in tangy BBQ sauce, nestled in soft slider buns with melty cheese—perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.

Try with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option Add a slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick Pairs well with crisp lager or a light red wine

Ingredients

  • Meatballs: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef 1 large egg 60 g (½ cup) breadcrumbs 40 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper
  • BBQ Sauce & Assembly: 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce 12 slider buns 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved 2 tbsp butter, melted 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional) 50 g (½ cup) sliced pickles (optional) 50 g (½ cup) coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper Mix until just combined do not overmix
Step 3:
Shape mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet
Step 4:
Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned
Step 5:
Meanwhile, warm BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat
Step 6:
Add baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently coat them in BBQ sauce
Step 7:
Slice slider buns and arrange bottom halves in a baking dish Place a sauced meatball on each bun Top each meatball with half a slice of cheddar cheese
Step 8:
Add pickles or coleslaw if desired Place the top halves of the buns over the meatballs
Step 9:
Mix melted butter with garlic powder brush over the tops of the buns Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using
Step 10:
Bake sliders in the oven for 7–8 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are golden
Step 11:
Serve warm
Mouthwatering BBQ Meatball sliders dripping with sauce, served warm in soft buns.  Save to Pinterest
Mouthwatering BBQ Meatball sliders dripping with sauce, served warm in soft buns. | chomzo.com

This recipe brings the family together for a fun and delicious dinner everyone enjoys

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Baking sheet Saucepan Baking dish Pastry brush Knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 295 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 15 g per serving

Category & Details

Preparation Time 20 minutes Cooking Time 25 minutes Total Time 45 minutes Category Main Dish Difficulty Easy Cuisine American Yield 12 sliders Diet Contains Meat, Contains Gluten

Delicious BBQ Meatball sliders topped with melted cheddar, ideal for casual family meals. Save to Pinterest
Delicious BBQ Meatball sliders topped with melted cheddar, ideal for casual family meals. | chomzo.com

These BBQ meatball sliders are perfect for any occasion and super easy to customize

Common Questions

How do I ensure meatballs stay tender?

Mix ingredients gently without overworking, and include breadcrumbs and egg to keep the mixture moist and tender during baking.

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version while maintaining good texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to get cheese melted perfectly on sliders?

Place cheese slices atop each meatball before baking sliders briefly to melt the cheese evenly without drying out the buns.

How can I add extra flavor or spice to these sliders?

Include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the BBQ glaze for a spicy kick that complements the savory meatballs.

Are there recommended side pairings for this dish?

Light coleslaw or crisp lager pairs well, balancing the rich and tangy flavors with refreshing notes.

Juicy BBQ Meatball Sliders

Tender meatballs coated in tangy sauce paired with soft buns and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Required Ingredients

Meatballs

01 1.1 lb ground beef
02 1 large egg
03 ½ cup breadcrumbs
04 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 1 tsp salt
09 ½ tsp black pepper

BBQ Sauce & Assembly

01 1 cup BBQ sauce
02 12 slider buns
03 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
04 2 tbsp melted butter
05 1 tsp garlic powder
06 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
07 ½ cup sliced pickles (optional)
08 ½ cup coleslaw (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined without overmixing.

Step 03

Shape meatballs: Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake meatballs: Bake meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 05

Heat BBQ sauce: While meatballs bake, warm the BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 06

Glaze meatballs: Transfer baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently coat them in the warmed BBQ sauce.

Step 07

Assemble sliders: Slice slider buns and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Place one BBQ-coated meatball on each bottom bun half, then top with half a slice of cheddar cheese.

Step 08

Add optional toppings: Add sliced pickles or coleslaw if using, then cover with the top halves of the buns.

Step 09

Brush buns: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

Step 10

Finish baking sliders: Bake assembled sliders in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and buns turn golden brown.

Step 11

Serve warm: Remove from oven and serve the sliders while warm.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs, buns), milk (cheese, butter), egg, and sesame (if used).
  • May contain mustard and soy (in BBQ sauce—label dependent).
  • Always verify ingredient labels to confirm allergens.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 295
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 15 g