Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy turkey meatballs baked to perfection, topped with melted cheese and nestled inside soft slider buns, ideal for kid-friendly parties or lunches. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 38 minutes pairs ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 23 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove meatballs from oven and top each with about 1 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  5. Step 5: Lightly toast 8 slider buns by brushing 1 tbsp olive oil on cut sides and placing them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sliders by placing two cheesy meatballs inside each bun. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (15 min prep + 23 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mini Cheesy Turkey Meatball Sliders?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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