Name: Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 prepared beef meatballs; 1 cup simple tomato sauce or jarred marinara sauce of choice, plus extra for serving; 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or pull-apart dinner rolls of choice; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¾ cup ricotta cheese; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; ¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, oregano); 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season (about ½ teaspoon salt)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

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If you love irresistible comfort food that brings people together, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe. These sliders combine soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls filled with juicy, flavorful meatballs, topped with creamy, herb-infused ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce. They bake up golden and bubbly, perfect for sharing at any casual get-together or special occasion. Every bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that make these sliders impossible to resist and a guaranteed favorite whenever you serve them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel pot filled with twelve round, browned meatballs sitting in a thick, bright red tomato sauce. The meatballs have a slightly rough texture with some darker spots, and the sauce is smooth with visible small chunks of tomato. The pot handle extends to the left and the pot is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet Hawaiian rolls to the fresh herbs in the ricotta, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create sliders that are rich, creamy, and savory.

12 prepared beef meatballs: You can use homemade, frozen, or store-bought—just ensure they’re juicy and well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
1 cup Simple Tomato Sauce or jarred marinara sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy tomato base that keeps the sliders moist and delicious.
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or pull-apart dinner rolls: Their pillowy softness and slight sweetness perfectly balance the savory meatballs and cheese.
Herbed ricotta cheese: A creamy blend of ricotta, parmesan, fresh herbs, and garlic powder that adds an irresistible fresh and tangy note.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, creating that glorious gooey, cheesy layer everyone loves.
¾ cup ricotta cheese (for herbed ricotta): The luscious base for the herbed cheese spread.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta and herbs.
¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano, or a combination – they brighten every bite with fresh flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Packs a subtle garlic kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: To season the herbed ricotta just right.

How to Make Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs and sauce

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the upper third. Cook the meatballs however you prefer—whether that’s homemade or from a package—and then gently simmer them in your chosen tomato sauce over low heat. This helps the meatballs soak up that luscious tomato flavor while keeping them warm and ready to build your sliders.

Step 2: Make the herbed ricotta cheese

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, chopped fresh herbs, and garlic powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This herbed ricotta is what truly elevates the sliders, lending a fresh, creamy brightness that balances the rich meatballs and gooey cheese beautifully. Set it aside or store it in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead.

Step 3: Hollow out the rolls

Place your Hawaiian rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Grab a paring knife and carefully hollow out each roll, creating a cavity about 1½ to 2 inches wide—but be sure to leave the bottoms intact! This little pocket is where the magic happens, holding the herbed ricotta, meatball, sauce, and mozzarella snugly in place as they bake.

Step 4: Assemble the sliders

Spread about one tablespoon of the herbed ricotta inside each hollowed-out roll. Nestle a succulent meatball inside, spoon a bit of the simmered tomato sauce over the top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. This assembly creates those perfectly balanced layers of flavor and texture that pull apart so satisfyingly after baking.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Pop the sliders into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the mozzarella melts into a bubbly, golden crown and the bread turns toasty on top. Once finished, let them cool just slightly so they’re easier to handle, then carefully transfer to a serving platter. The sight of these sliders fresh from the oven is pure joy!

How to Serve Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe

A white tray holds several soft, light brown dinner rolls topped with a thick red tomato sauce, a round meatball, melted white cheese, and sprinkled with green herbs and white grated cheese. One roll has a large bite taken out, showing its soft, fluffy inside. In the background, there is a silver bowl with more red sauce and a white plate holding another topped roll. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a lovely pop of vibrant color and a hit of fresh herbal flavor. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze over the sliders just before serving to elevate their visual appeal and taste even further.

Side Dishes

These sliders shine with simple sides like crisp garden salad or crunchy potato chips for texture contrast. Roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad can also perfectly complement this hearty snack without overpowering the boldness of the meatball sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these sliders family-style on a large platter with plenty of napkins for tearing and sharing, or arrange them individually on small plates with dipping bowls of extra tomato sauce. For parties, consider setting out a slider bar with additional toppings like sliced olives, pickled jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms so guests can customize their own creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making these just as delightful the next day. Just keep the extra tomato sauce separate to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the sliders as directed but do not bake. Wrap the tray tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh, allowing you to enjoy the Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe anytime you crave them.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese re-melts. This keeps the bread crisp on the outside and the fillings deliciously gooey inside without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken meatballs can be a lighter alternative and will still pair wonderfully with the herbed ricotta and tomato sauce. Just make sure they are well-seasoned to keep the rich flavor.

Is it possible to make the herbed ricotta ahead of time?

Yes, the herbed ricotta can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and stress-free on the day you want to serve the sliders.

What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

Don’t worry! Any soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls or slider buns work well as a substitute. The key is to have a tender bread that holds the fillings but still pulls apart easily.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the meatballs with your favorite plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini balls. The herbed ricotta and tomato sauce will still give you plenty of savory satisfaction.

How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Hollowing out the rolls allows space for the fillings without making the bread soggy. Also, serving leftover sauce on the side prevents the sliders from getting too wet before eating.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders with Herbed Ricotta Recipe is a game changer for any gathering or cozy meal. The harmony of tender meatballs, creamy herbed ricotta, sweet rolls, and bubbly mozzarella is pure comfort on a bun. Once you try these sliders, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection that everyone will be asking for over and over. So grab your rolls, get saucy, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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