Cranberry Sauce Meatball Sliders
A delightful fusion of savory meatballs and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef Use a blend of lean and fat for juiciness.
- 1 large egg A binding agent that keeps meatballs moist.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs For texture and to absorb moisture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds a rich aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Enhances freshness and color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Provides a sweet, earthy base.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adds a slight kick.
- ¼ cup milk Keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries The star of the sauce!
- ¼ cup orange juice Adds brightness and tang.
- ⅓ cup sugar Sweetens the sauce, balancing it.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest Brings a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- 1 pinch salt Just a touch for the sauce.
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns slider buns Soft, perfect carriers for the meatballs.
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, halved For melty goodness.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted For brushing over the buns.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Finishing touch for visual appeal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all the ingredients on your kitchen counter.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Meatball Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs.
- Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes or until cooked through and nicely browned, registering at least 160°F internally.
Cranberry Sauce Preparation
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembly
- Slice slider buns horizontally and set the bottoms in a baking dish.
- Position one meatball on each bun bottom, spoon over cranberry sauce, and top with half a slice of cheese.
Final Cooking
- Cover with the top halves of the slider buns and brush melted butter over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and buns are golden brown.
Serve
- Let cool for a minute, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Sliders can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before baking. Great for entertaining and customizable for various tastes.