When I think of comfort food that pleases both kids and adults, my mind immediately goes to spaghetti and meatballs. But imagine taking that classic Italian dinner and transforming it into handheld sliders that are perfect for parties, game day spreads, or a cozy Friday night at home. These Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders are cheesy, saucy, and a little messy in the best way possible—exactly what makes them so memorable.

These sliders combine the nostalgia of twirling spaghetti around your fork with the fun of pulling apart cheesy baked sandwiches from a tray. They’re hearty enough to be a main dish, but they also double as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, you can prep them ahead, making your hosting duties stress-free.

Ingredients

12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
12 cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cooked spaghetti noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the base: Slice slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottom layer intact. Place them snugly in the baking dish.
Layer the pasta: Spread a small layer of marinara sauce on the bottom buns. Add a forkful of cooked spaghetti onto each bun.
Add the meatballs: Place one meatball on top of each spaghetti mound. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Cheese it up: Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Top with buns: Place the top half of the slider buns over the meatballs.
Make garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
Bake the sliders: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting apart. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Why These Sliders Work for Every Occasion

These sliders are a hybrid dish—part pasta dinner, part cheesy sandwich. They’re perfect for potlucks because you can bake them in one pan and serve them hot, melty, and ready to pull apart. If you’ve ever struggled with spaghetti at a party (sauce splatters everywhere!), these sliders solve the problem while still keeping all that Italian comfort intact.

Kids love them because they’re familiar and fun, while adults appreciate the cozy nostalgia paired with bold flavors. And if you’re planning ahead, you can assemble them earlier in the day and just pop them in the oven when guests arrive.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle inside the sliders.
Go cheesy: Mix provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more gooey pull.
Mini party version: Cut each slider in half to create bite-sized appetizers.
Meal prep tip: Freeze cooked meatballs and pull them out for quick slider nights.