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Savory BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crispy Slaw

BBQ meatball sliders - featured image
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These BBQ meatball sliders feature juicy, baked meatballs tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with a crunchy slaw, and served on toasted slider buns. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family gatherings, they’re quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular; gluten-free works too)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or red, or a mix)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small apple, julienned (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Sliced pickles (optional)
  • Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form 12 evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches each) using a scoop or spoon. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Toss baked meatballs in sauce and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. While meatballs bake, combine cabbage, carrots, red onion, and optional apple in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and toss until coated. Chill if desired.
  6. Slice slider buns in half if needed. Brush with melted butter and toast under broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  7. Place a BBQ meatball on each bun bottom. Top with crispy slaw, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce if desired. Cap with bun tops.
  8. Arrange sliders on a platter and serve immediately while warm and crisp. For make-ahead, refrigerate and reheat meatballs before assembling.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and buns. For vegetarian, use plant-based meatballs and vegan mayo. Dress slaw just before serving for maximum crunch. Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. Toast buns carefully to avoid burning. Use a scoop for even meatballs. Rest meatballs in BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ sliders, meatball sliders, game day appetizer, party food, easy sliders, crispy slaw, comfort food, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/savory-bbq-meatball-sliders-recipe-with-crispy-slaw-easy-game-day-appetizer/