Herby Baked Chicken Meatball Cheesy Sliders with a Maple Caramelized Onion Cheese Sauce
Hungry? These Cheesy Baked Meatball Sliders Will Hit the Spot!
These cheesy baked meatball sliders bring together the freshness of herbs, the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions, and the tangy kick of mustard-infused meatballs. Add in a flavorful dipping sauce, and you’ve got a perfect bite every time.
Meatball sandwiches are a classic. Their origins trace back to New York City, where Italian Americans crafted this juicy comfort food to honor their heritage with an American twist—served up in sandwich form. And let’s not forget about sliders! They were born in Kansas and have since become a staple of American cuisine. Sliders and sandwiches in general are irresistible because they can be made in endless ways—swap the bread, change up the meat, throw in some veggies, add or skip the cheese, and experiment with sauces and spreads. The possibilities are endless, which is why the humble sandwich is always fresh and exciting. And these sliders are too!
I’m a big fan of sandwiches, and sliders are a go-to for an easy weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a casual weekend lunch with the family. So, I set out to create a holiday-inspired twist on the classic slider and meatball sub combo. And let me tell you—this version does not disappoint! We’ve got loads of dried herbs, a sweet and savory caramelized onion cheese sauce, tangy baked chicken meatballs (which honestly taste like Thanksgiving dinner in one bite), and just the right amount of melty cheese to make every bite unforgettable - where you will keep coming back for more.
Why These Sliders Are So Good
Focused on Flavor: When creating something that’s both healthy and delicious, it’s all about balance. I like to develop a flavor profile for each dish with a few focused ingredients and build from there. These sliders are no exception. They focus on key flavors like herbs, mustard, cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Each of these flavors works together to create a dish that’s bright and satisfying in every bite—without overwhelming your taste buds. They are suitable, mellow, and yet they bring a mouth full of deliciousness.
Lean Meat, Whole Grain Rolls, and Yogurt Sauce: For a healthier sandwich, always choose lean meat, whole grains, and a better-for-you sauce. For these sliders, I used lean chicken meatballs (baked, not fried—double win!) and whole wheat dinner rolls instead of those overly sugary, refined white rolls. The sauce is made with nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, cheese, and sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar. These simple swaps make these sliders a healthier option, so you can feel good about enjoying them any day of the week.
What to Serve These Sliders With
Pasta salad
Green salad
Grapes with maple yogurt fruit dip
Sliced apples
Fresh orange slices
Roasted squash
Green beans
Creamy cauliflower casserole
Baked mac & cheese
Maple-glazed carrots
Squash soup
Baked or air-fried sweet potato fries
And more!
Different Variations of These Herby Baked Meatball Sliders
Change the Cheese: The cheese in this recipe is easy to customize to suit your preferences. Add more or less cheese depending on how cheesy you want it to be. Want to take it to the next level? Add a slice of cheese over each meatball before baking—it’s not the healthiest option, but it’s extra creamy and delicious. You can also swap mozzarella and white cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, or Parmesan. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the sliders, so you’ll always end up with something tasty and unique.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Want to go meatless? It’s simple! Substitute the baked chicken meatballs for a plant-based option. This keeps the protein content high and adds even more nutrients to your meal. For a fully vegan version, use plant-based cheese and vegan-certified dinner rolls, and you’ve got a totally plant-powered slider for any occasion.
Short on Time? Use Store-Bought Meatballs: Life can get busy, but you still want a delicious meal. If you don’t have time to make homemade meatballs, no worries! Buy pre-made meatballs from the store—just look for options with simple, whole ingredients to keep things lean and healthy. These store-bought meatballs will still work perfectly with the cheese and sauce to maintain the balanced flavor profile of your sliders.
Different Sauces: If you’re not in the mood to make your own sauce, you can easily swap in some store-bought options - to save on time. Here are five healthier sauces that work great with this recipe: one, two, three, four, and five. These will still keep the flavor profile intact without the extra effort.
Ingredients:
Sliders:
Wheat dinner rolls (12 pack)
White cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Onion powder
Freshly ground black pepper
Top Coating:
Olive oil
Dried thyme
Herby Baked Chicken Meatballs:
(12 herby baked chicken meatballs – see recipe) or buy store bought chicken meatballs
Maple Caramelized Onion Cheese Sauce:
Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Water
Dijon mustard
Maple syrup
Worcestershire sauce
Ground mustard
Dried thyme
Onion powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to make these sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Maple Caramelized Onion Cheese Sauce
In a blender, combine the following ingredients:
Boursin cheese
Greek yogurt
Water
Dijon mustard
Maple syrup
Worcestershire sauce
Ground mustard
Dried thyme
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Blend until smooth and fully combined. Once done, pour the sauce into a bowl or a refrigerator-safe container and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sliders
Using a long bread knife, cut the 12-pack of wheat dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your pregreased baking pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan.
Season the rolls by sprinkling onion powder and freshly ground black pepper evenly.
Place one of the herby baked chicken meatballs on each roll bottom, ensuring they fit snugly on top of the cheese.
Top with the other half of the wheat dinner rolls to complete your slider stack.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Brush olive oil over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they are lightly coated.
Sprinkle dried thyme on top for extra flavor.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sliders are golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the sliders from the oven and serve immediately while they’re still warm. Pair with your homemade Maple Caramelized Onion Cheese Sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy!
Enjoy Your Sliders!
These cheesy, herby sliders are sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a family lunch, they’re the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet. Enjoy!
