Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders
Highlighted under: Comfort Dinner Recipes
I love creating fun, flavorful snacks for gatherings, and these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders have become one of my favorites. The sweetness of honey combined with the heat of Sriracha gives the meatballs an irresistible glaze that I can't get enough of. When served on soft slider buns and topped with fresh veggies, these sliders are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. They are not only easy to make, but they are also a huge hit with everyone who tries them, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen.
When I first made these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet delicious they turned out. I wanted to create something that combined sweet and spicy flavors without overwhelming my guests. The best part is that I can customize the heat level by adjusting the Sriracha, so everyone can enjoy them!
I also discovered that mixing the ground meat with breadcrumbs and eggs creates a tender meatball that holds together perfectly. Baking instead of frying saves on cleanup, and they stay juicy while cooking. These little sliders are sure to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that keep you coming back for more
- Easy to make with minimal preparation time, perfect for any gathering
- Customizable heat levels so everyone can enjoy their own version of spicy
Key Techniques for Perfect Meatballs
When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture; doing so can lead to tough meatballs. You want just enough mixing to combine everything well. Using your hands is often the best approach to ensure even distribution of spices and binders. A quick tip is to wet your hands with a little water when forming the meatballs to prevent sticking.
Baking the meatballs at a high temperature not only cooks them evenly but also helps achieve a nice golden crust. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. You'll know they are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and are firm to the touch.
Customizing Your Sliders
The beauty of these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders is their versatility. You can easily adjust the level of Sriracha in the sauce to cater to different taste preferences. For those who enjoy a milder flavor, consider mixing half Sriracha and half ketchup for a sweet yet toned-down sauce. Alternatively, for more heat, add diced fresh chili peppers to the meat mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Serving these sliders with pickled jalapeños and coleslaw adds an excellent crunch and tang that complements the sweet and spicy meatballs. You can also switch up the coleslaw by using different base ingredients—try adding apples for sweetness or cabbage for crunch. Feel free to experiment with different toppings like avocado slices or a garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders:
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders:
Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix the meatball ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
Form the meatballs
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Bake the meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Glaze the meatballs
Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them with the prepared sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Assemble the sliders
Place a meatball on each slider bun, top with optional pickled jalapeños and coleslaw, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious sliders with friends and family!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding avocado slices or a drizzle of extra Sriracha for more heat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Simply store the meatballs in the refrigerator after they cool completely, and keep the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Brush with the sauce before serving for that glossy finish.
These sliders also freeze well! After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat according to the reheating instructions above.
Experimenting with Sauces
While the combination of honey and Sriracha is unbeatable, don't hesitate to experiment with different sauces. For a tangy twist, try incorporating barbecue sauce or chipotle sauce into the glaze. Mixing in a tablespoon of lime juice with the honey Sriracha will give a bright citrus note that can lighten the dish.
If you find yourself without Sriracha, other hot sauces can be used as substitutes. Just remember that different sauces can vary in heat levels, so taste as you go. This adaptability allows you to tailor the recipe to your pantry while still achieving the wanted flavors.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a leaner option.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and bake them just before serving.
→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use plant-based meat or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs for a vegetarian alternative.
Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders
I love creating fun, flavorful snacks for gatherings, and these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders have become one of my favorites. The sweetness of honey combined with the heat of Sriracha gives the meatballs an irresistible glaze that I can't get enough of. When served on soft slider buns and topped with fresh veggies, these sliders are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. They are not only easy to make, but they are also a huge hit with everyone who tries them, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Dinner Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 sliders
What You'll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them with the prepared sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Place a meatball on each slider bun, top with optional pickled jalapeños and coleslaw, and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding avocado slices or a drizzle of extra Sriracha for more heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 18g