BBQ Meatball Sliders

One summer afternoon and I was prepping for a backyard BBQ when I realized I needed a crowd-pleasing bite that was easy to grab and full of bold flavor and that’s when BBQ Meatball Sliders made their grand debut in my kitchen. I had just made a fresh batch of tangy homemade barbecue sauce and thought and why not turn meatballs into handheld sliders and the result was pure magic and juicy and saucy and topped with creamy slaw and all tucked into a soft sesame bun.

Since then and these sliders have become a staple at every party and game day gathering and they’re one of the first things to disappear from the table. I love how they combine classic comfort food flavors with a fun and playful presentation and every bite hits you with that perfect balance of smoky and sweet and creamy and crunchy.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – Forms the base of the meatballs and makes them juicy and hearty.
• Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Egg – Adds richness and holds everything together.
• Garlic and onion – Bring depth and savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• BBQ sauce – Sweet and smoky and coats the meatballs with irresistible flavor.
• Slider buns – Soft and perfectly sized for party-friendly portions.
• Cheese slices – A melty layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
• Coleslaw mix – Adds a fresh and crunchy contrast.
• Mayonnaise – Used to dress the slaw and balance the tanginess.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To combine all the meatball ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet – Perfect for cooking the meatballs evenly in the oven.
• Spoon or scoop – Helps form uniform meatballs.
• Saucepan – To heat and simmer the BBQ sauce.
• Small bowl – For mixing the coleslaw dressing.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping and prepping ingredients.
• Oven – To bake the meatballs to perfection.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl and I combine the ground beef and breadcrumbs and egg and minced garlic and finely chopped onion and salt and pepper and then I mix everything gently until combined.

Step 3:

I use a spoon or my hands to roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and placing them on the baking sheet and I usually get about 12 to 14.

Step 4:

I bake the meatballs for about 18 to 20 minutes and until they’re browned and cooked through and while they bake and I warm my BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 5:

Once the meatballs are ready and I transfer them into the saucepan and gently toss them in the sauce until they’re completely coated and glossy.

Step 6:

While the meatballs soak up the sauce and I mix coleslaw with a little mayo and salt and set it aside.

Step 7:

Now it’s assembly time! I slice open the slider buns and layer each bottom with a slice of cheese and a spoonful of slaw and then top it with a hot BBQ meatball and cover with the top bun.

Tips

If you want a shortcut and you can use frozen meatballs and just warm them up before tossing in BBQ sauce. I also love adding a touch of honey or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce depending on who I’m serving. If you’re prepping ahead and keep the components separate until serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Ways to Serve

These BBQ Meatball Sliders are perfect for game days and summer cookouts and birthday parties. I also like serving them with a side of baked beans and potato wedges or a fresh fruit salad for balance. You can even make them mini for kids’ lunches or picnics!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ Meatball Sliders in advance?

Yes and you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them and then reheat and toss in sauce when ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought slaw mix in BBQ Meatball Sliders?

Absolutely and it’s a huge time saver and works just as well as homemade shredded cabbage.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for BBQ Meatball Sliders?

You can use any BBQ sauce you love and whether it’s sweet and smoky or has a spicy kick and just make sure it coats the meatballs well.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these BBQ Meatball Sliders a try and whether it’s for a casual dinner or a fun gathering and they’re sure to be a hit! I’d love to hear how you made them your own so don’t forget to leave a comment or save the recipe to share with friends!

Happy Cooking!

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