Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a Hawaiian roll slider filled with a juicy meatball, melted cheese, and marinara sauce.

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Savory meatballs, sweet Hawaiian rolls, marinara, gooey mozzarella, and buttery garlic glaze—your next party’s MVP, baked to golden perfection.

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Okay, confession time: I never planned on making these Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. It all started with one of those chaotic, last-minute “Sure, come over!” texts from friends. You know the kind, where suddenly your house is full of people, and you’re pretending you’re totally prepared? Yeah, that. I stared into my fridge like it was a crystal ball, hoping inspiration would strike.

And then I saw it. A half-forgotten bag of frozen meatballs, a jar of marinara, and—bless my grocery-shopping self—an unopened pack of Hawaiian rolls. The result? These sliders were born, and let me tell you, they stole the show. My husband’s exact words: “Why don’t you make these all the time?” It’s funny how the most effortless dishes become the most requested.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Recipe?

Let’s talk about why these sliders are everything:

  • Ridiculously easy: I mean, if you can melt butter and layer some cheese, you’ve got this. They’re perfect for when you need a wow-worthy dish in a pinch.
  • Sweet and savory magic: The combination of Hawaiian rolls, marinara, and gooey cheese hits all the right notes. Sweet? Savory? Cheesy? Yes, yes, and yes.
  • Great for everyone: From picky eaters to “I’ll eat anything” friends, these sliders are always a hit.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the cheese, spice up the marinara, or even go vegetarian. They’re like a blank canvas for your foodie dreams.
  • Perfect for parties: Whether it’s game night or a potluck, these sliders disappear faster than you can say “Who wants seconds?”

Close-up of a Hawaiian roll slider filled with a juicy meatball, melted cheese, and marinara sauce.

Ingredient Notes:

The magic of these sliders lies in how simple the ingredients are. Let’s break it down:

  • Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls are non-negotiable. Could you use regular dinner rolls? Sure. But will they be as good? Probably not.
  • Butter and Garlic Salt: This combo gives the sliders that golden, buttery top and a hint of garlicky goodness. A little sprinkle of parsley doesn’t hurt either—it makes them look fancy.
  • Frozen Italian Meatballs: Don’t overthink this one. Store-bought meatballs are a lifesaver, especially when they’re big enough for one per slider.
  • Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite—store-bought, homemade, whatever makes your heart happy. If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, stretchy kind. Slices work best here because they cover the sliders evenly, but shredded cheese works in a pinch.

A tray of golden Hawaiian roll sliders stuffed with saucy meatballs and gooey cheese, ready to serve.

How To Make Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders?

Let’s get these sliders from your kitchen to your plate with zero stress.

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  1. Preheat and prep
    Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 9×13 pan with foil. You’re doing this not because you’re lazy (okay, maybe a little), but because foil makes cleanup so much easier.
  2. Cook those meatballs
    Heat the frozen meatballs according to the package. Whether you nuke them in the microwave or simmer them on the stovetop, just make sure they’re warm and ready to shine.
  3. Slice the rolls
    Grab a serrated knife and carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the rolls connected—it’s like building a mini lasagna.
  4. Layer the goodness
    Place the bottom half of the rolls in your pan. Add a meatball to each roll, then top with a spoonful of marinara. Cover everything with mozzarella slices, letting them overlap so every bite is cheesy perfection.
  5. Top it off
    Place the top half of the rolls back on and brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic salt. And I mean generously—this is what gives them that glossy, golden crust.
  6. Bake to perfection
    Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell so good, you might have to fight off snackers before they hit the table.

Side view of a meatball slider showing its fluffy bun and rich marinara sauce drizzling down.

Storage Options:

If by some miracle you have leftovers (rare, but not impossible), here’s how to keep them fresh:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the rolls crispy.
  • Freezer: Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, brush with butter, and bake fresh.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to make these sliders your own:

  • Cheese options: Provolone, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Different sauces: Try BBQ, Alfredo, or pesto instead of marinara for a flavor twist.
  • Alternative proteins: Turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs, or even plant-based options work great.
  • Add toppings: Think caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or fresh basil. Go wild—it’s your kitchen.

An open Hawaiian roll slider with a bite taken out, revealing a flavorful meatball and cheese center.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders?

These sliders are a meal on their own, but if you want to go all out, here are some pairings:

  • Fries: Sweet potato, regular, curly—fries are always a win.
  • Salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad balances out the richness.
  • Dips: Extra marinara or ranch for dunking takes these sliders to the next level.
  • Soup: Tomato basil or creamy broccoli soup makes a cozy combo.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be prepared for everyone to think you’re a genius.

How do I stop them from getting soggy?
Easy—don’t overdo the marinara, and make sure your meatballs aren’t drowning in sauce. The buttered tops also act as a bit of a barrier.

Can I double the recipe?
Go for it! Use a larger pan or even multiple pans if you’re feeding a crowd. These sliders are the first thing to go at any party.

Hawaiian roll sliders topped with fresh parsley and melted cheese, arranged beautifully on a baking sheet.

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Side view of a meatball slider showing its fluffy bun and rich marinara sauce drizzling down.

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, and a buttery garlic glaze come together in these quick and delicious sliders, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners!
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Hawaiian-style sweet rolls
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 16 oz frozen Italian meatballs cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 –2 cups marinara sauce
  • 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the oven and baking pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil to simplify cleanup.

Cook the meatballs

  1. Heat the frozen meatballs according to the package instructions until thoroughly cooked and warm. This step can be completed using a microwave, stovetop, or oven.

Slice the rolls

  1. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half while keeping them intact. This will create a top and bottom section for the sliders.

Assemble the sliders

  1. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking pan. Position one meatball on each roll section. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over each meatball, then layer the mozzarella slices evenly across the top, covering the meatballs and rolls entirely.

Top with garlic butter

  1. Combine the melted butter and garlic salt in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the top section of the rolls to ensure they are evenly coated. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.

Bake the sliders

  1. Transfer the assembled sliders to the preheated oven and bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free sweet rolls or bread. Ensure that the marinara sauce and meatballs are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten in their ingredients.
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< Hi, I'm Bitty! >

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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