Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
If you’re looking for a family friendly and fun meal that can be dinner or an appetizer, try my Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. Juicy homemade meatballs, marinara and mozzarella are tucked into a pillowy soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian Roll bun.
Original Post: September 2021: Post Updated: August 2025
These Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders were inspired by happy hour. I wanted to create a sharable and delicious treat that felt like restaurant style happy hour food. With soft Hawaiian rolls and tender meatballs, these are definitely a crowd pleaser. The King’s Hawaiian Rolls are also used as a meatball binder in this recipe.
Why this recipe works
- Meal prep friendly. You can make the meatballs ahead of time.
- Versatile. This meatball slider recipe is versatile and can be customized. Switch up the meatballs and try it with my Bison Meatballs or my Gluten-Free Meatballs, stuff with my 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs and cole slaw or even my Turkey Basil Burger patty or Sugar Free Sloppy Joe’s.
- Kid-Friendly. These Meatball Hawaiian Roll Sliders are definitely kid-approved (by my son of course).
- Works as dinner or an appetizer. Make a tray for game day or enjoy as a full on meal.
Ingredients needed
- Ground beef. I recommend 80/20 because the fat will add flavor and will make some darn good juicy meatballs
- Sweet onions. Any onion can be substituted but sweet onions make this meatball delicious.
- Garlic. The recipe calls for 8 cloves. You can tone that down if you like.
- Egg. This works as a binder.
- Milk. 2% is good or you can use whole milk or plant based milk.
- Mozzarella or parmesan cheese. I use a mixture of both.
- Fresh basil and Italian parsley. Dried herbs or Italian seasoning can be used but fresh herbs make these the best meatballs ever!
- Marinara sauce. Or any of your favorite sauces can be used.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls. The star of the show! These rolls are not only used for the slider buns but they are also used as the bread crumbs in the meatball mixture. You can substitute with other dinner rolls or slider buns.
How to make Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
Step One: Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, add in the ground beef.
Step Two: Then add the garlic, herbs, egg, milk and cheese. To use the slider buns as bread crumbs, break up 2 of the Hawaiian buns and add them into the mixture. Add the salt and pepper last.
Step Three: Gently combine the mixture and then form it into 20 meatballs. Place them on the sheet pan and let them bake for about 20 minutes. Heat the marinara sauce on the stove top while the meatballs bake.
Pro tip: For best results, start with warming the Hawaiian sweet rolls. Remove the plastic and keep the buns in the container. Then heat them until golden brown for 3-5 minutes in the oven. Some people like to make a butter mixture with melted butter and garlic powder and then brush the tops of the rolls with it. This is a delicious option but it’s not needed.
Step Four: Grab a small knife and slice the top layer of bread. To make individual sandwiches, add in 2 meatballs, spoon marinara on top and sprinkle on the cheese. To make this more of a party snack, take the entire package of rolls and slice through the top and bottom. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a baking dish and then add the meatballs, marinara and cheese. Add the top buns back on top and place them in the oven for about 2-3 minutes for the cheese to melt.
Storing and reheating
Store the meatballs separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 90 seconds.
Helpful tips
- Use 80/20 beef. The extra fat makes a difference with the flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gently mix until just combined.
- Alternative cooking methods: You can sear meatballs in olive oil for about 5-10 minutes, while rotating them in a large skillet. Then add the marinara to the meatballs and let them braise in the sauce.
- Warm the rolls.Though King’s Hawaiian Rolls are already soft and delicious, warming them makes them next level!
Servings suggestions for Hawaiian Bread Meatball Sliders
- Serve the meatball sliders on Hawaiian rolls with delicious sides like my Murasaki Sweet Potato Salad, Cauiflower Tabbouleh or my Baked Za’atar Fries.
- Create a full spread with Garlic Steak Bites, Loaded Carne Asada Fries, Crispy Chicken Tacos, and Spinach and Feta Empanadas with Ground Chicken.
Looking for other recipe ideas? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and receive delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Did you make this recipe and love it? Please leave a comment and give it a 5 Star Rating! THANK YOU!
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
Save This Recipe
Want to get this recipe in your email? Just enter your email below and get it now along with new recipe updates!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/2 cup sweet onions diced, about 1/2 of an onion
- 8 cloves garlic crushed, you can use less if you like
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk 2% or whole
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded , plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup basil chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley chopped
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt as needed
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper as needed
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 package King's Hawaiian rolls pack of 12, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. On the stove top, warm the marinara sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sweet onions, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup of cheese, milk, herbs and 2 of the Hawaiian sweet rolls (broken up). Add a touch of salt and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients together.
- Form into 20 meatballs, about 1- 1/2 inches thick and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or (until internal temperature hits 165) Remove from the oven when done.
- Warm the Hawaiian rolls by placing them in the oven until golden brown for about 3 minutes.
- Then serve the meatballs in the Hawaiian bread (about 2 meatballs per 1 roll) and add a tablespoon of marinara and sprinkle cheese on top.
Notes
- Use 80/20 beef. The extra fat makes a difference with the flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gently mix until just combined.
- Alternative cooking methods: You can sear meatballs in olive oil for about 5-10 minutes, while rotating them in a large skillet. Then add the marinara to the meatballs and let them braise in the sauce.
- Warm the rolls.Though King’s Hawaiian Rolls are already soft and delicious, warming them makes them next level!
Nutrition
Making this? I would love to see! Tag me on Instagram @whensaltyandsweetunite and #whensaltyandsweetunite
