Tangy BBQ Meatball Sliders Recipe

Ground beef: The base for the meatballs, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs and give them structure.

Beaten egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.

BBQ sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the meatballs.

Slider buns: Soft buns that hold the meatballs and make them easy to eat.

Cheese: Melts over the meatballs, adding a creamy and savory element.

When forming the meatballs, ensure they are uniform in size to promote even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the ground beef mixture, then roll them gently between your palms. This not only helps in achieving consistent cooking times but also ensures that each slider has a perfect bite-sized meatball.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground pork: Ground pork offers a slightly different flavor profile but still maintains the juiciness and tenderness needed for meatballs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and add a bit of extra flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can act as a binder and add a bit of texture to the meatballs.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.

• beaten egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binder and add a touch of sweetness to the meatballs.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce can provide a different but equally delicious flavor profile with a bit of sweetness and umami.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce mixture: Mix ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy and savory alternative.

• slider buns - Substitute with Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a sweet and soft texture that complements the tangy meatballs.

• slider buns - Substitute with mini bagels: Mini bagels provide a chewy texture and can hold up well to the meatballs and sauce.

• your choice cheese - Substitute with provolone: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that pairs nicely with BBQ flavors.

• your choice cheese - Substitute with pepper jack: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice and creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor of the sliders.

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the slider buns separately in a resealable plastic bag to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• For freezing, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• To reheat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• If you prefer, you can reheat the meatballs in a saucepan with additional bbq sauce over medium heat until warmed.
• Assemble the sliders just before serving to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the buns remain fresh.
• For added freshness, consider toasting the slider buns lightly before assembling the sliders.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each slider in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the sliders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatballs are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the sliders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each slider in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped sliders on the toaster oven tray.
  4. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the meatballs at the required temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the formed meatballs for baking.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the breadcrumbs and BBQ sauce accurately.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients in the mixing bowl thoroughly.

• Tongs: Used to handle the meatballs when coating them with BBQ sauce.

• Knife: Used to slice the cheese if it is not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for slicing the cheese.

• Basting brush: Used to coat the meatballs with BBQ sauce evenly.

• Serving platter: Used to arrange the assembled sliders for serving.

Use pre-made meatballs: Save time by using frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch. Just heat and coat with bbq sauce.

Pre-slice cheese: Buy pre-sliced cheese to avoid the extra step of slicing.

Toast buns together: Toast all slider buns at once in the oven while the meatballs are baking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the meatballs for a quick meal next time.

Use a slow cooker: Cook the meatballs in a slow cooker with the bbq sauce to save oven time and keep them warm.