Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders

Name: Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 12 slider buns; Pickles (optional); Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

Deliciously tender meatballs infused with sweet and spicy flavors, served on soft slider buns for the perfect bite-sized treat.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-03T22:59:27.913Z

These Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders are the perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Ideal for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
Juicy meatballs that are easy to make
Great for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal
Fun, bite-sized portions for everyone to enjoy

      

The Perfect Bite-Sized Treat

Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, perfect for parties, game days, or casual weeknight dinners. These sliders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to both adults and kids alike. With juicy, tender meatballs nestled between soft slider buns, they make for a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring that each slider can be tailored to individual tastes.

The beauty of these sliders lies in their versatility. You can serve them as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer while hosting friends. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a small get-together, these sliders will definitely be a hit. Their sweet and spicy profile invites everyone to take a bite, making them a go-to option for any occasion.

Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor

One of the best parts about making Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders is that they require just a handful of simple ingredients. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a few spices come together to create flavorful meatballs that are both juicy and satisfying. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the flavors, making these sliders stand out. You can easily find the ingredients at your local grocery store, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The sauce brings together the sweet and spicy elements beautifully. With a combination of BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce, you’ll create a glaze that coats the meatballs perfectly. This easy-to-make sauce not only adds depth to the dish but also enhances the overall experience of enjoying these sliders. Each bite is bursting with flavor, guaranteeing that your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy winter gathering, or just a simple weeknight dinner, Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders fit the bill. They are easy to prepare in large batches, making them ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer, saving you time on the day of your event. Simply bake them and toss them in the sauce before serving, and you’re ready to impress your guests.

These sliders also lend themselves well to experimentation. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce to cater to your audience. With so many possibilities, you can make these sliders your own and keep everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg

For the Sauce

1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce

For Assembly

12 slider buns
Pickles (optional)
Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve the meatballs on slider buns and add pickles or jalapeños if desired.

Enjoy your sliders with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs are perfectly tender and flavorful, don’t overmix the ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps maintain their juiciness. Additionally, using fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the meatballs' flavor profile. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch, but the fresh ones really make a difference.

Baking the meatballs at a high temperature helps them develop a nice crust while keeping the inside moist. Make sure to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. If you prefer a bit of char, consider broiling them for the last few minutes of baking for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Sweet and Spicy Meatball Sliders, consider a variety of toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes. Pickles add a tangy crunch, while sliced jalapeños bring an extra kick of heat. You can also provide different sauces on the side, such as ranch or extra BBQ sauce, allowing guests to customize their sliders.

Pair these sliders with a fresh side salad or crispy coleslaw for a complete meal. If you're feeling adventurous, serve them with sweet potato fries or potato wedges for a fun twist. This combination of flavors and textures will keep your guests satisfied and happy.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you want to serve them as sliders again, toast the buns lightly before assembling for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or microwave with the sauce. This makes for an easy meal that feels like a treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.

→ Can these sliders be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatballs and reheat them when needed.

→ How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add more sriracha or include diced jalapeños in the meatball mixture for an extra kick.