Zesty Pull Apart Nduja Meatball Sliders Recipe for Game Day

Packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures, these nduja meatball sliders bring serious excitement to your dinner table.

The spicy nduja sausage infuses each tender meatball with incredible depth and warmth.

Soft slider buns cradle these juicy, perfectly seasoned morsels that pack a serious punch.

Crisp edges and a rich, spreadable sausage create a mouthwatering combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and comfort, making these sliders an instant crowd-pleaser.

Serve them at your next gathering and watch as friends devour every single one with pure culinary delight.

What Makes Pull Apart Nduja Sliders Stand Out

• These nduja meatball sliders bring exciting, bold flavors that transform ordinary meals into memorable experiences with their zesty, unique taste profile.
• Surprisingly simple steps create restaurant-quality sliders without requiring advanced culinary skills, making impressive dishes accessible for home cooks.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different cheeses, nuts, or vegetables, letting you personalize the sliders to match family preferences or pantry contents.
• Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these sliders offer convenient bite-sized portions that everyone can enjoy without complicated serving logistics.

Pull Apart Nduja Meatball Sliders – The Ingredient Lineup

• Pork: Ground meat with rich flavor for meatball foundation.
• Nduja: Spicy spreadable Italian sausage that adds heat and depth.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Seasonings: Create tender texture and enhance overall seasoning.

• Marinara: Adds moisture and classic tomato flavor to meatballs.

• Arugula: Provides peppery green base for homemade pesto.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty and nutty undertones to pesto.
• Walnuts: Adds earthy crunch and richness to pesto.
• Garlic: Delivers sharp aromatic flavor to pesto.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend and smooth pesto ingredients.

• Peppers, Onions: Create sweet and caramelized base for sliders.

• Rolls: Soft bread for holding all ingredients.

• Cheese: Melts and connects ingredients.

• Herb Butter: Adds richness and aromatic finish to sliders.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Pull Apart Nduja Sliders

• Baking Sheet: Crucial for evenly cooking meatballs and assembling sliders.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients and creating uniform mixture.
• Food Processor: Ideal for blending smooth, creamy pesto with fresh ingredients.
• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing peppers and onions to golden perfection.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping herbs, garlic, and preparing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Cheese Grater: Helps freshly grate parmesan for rich pesto flavor.

Pull Apart Nduja Sliders – How It’s Done

Step 1: Craft Spicy Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, fiery nduja spread, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.

Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Roll the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, placing them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast and Simmer Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10 minutes to develop a golden exterior.

Remove from the oven and generously pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.

Return to the oven, reducing the temperature to 325°F, and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked and infused with sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up Vibrant Arugula Pesto

In a food processor, combine fresh arugula leaves, grated parmesan cheese, toasted walnuts, peeled garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil.

Pulse and blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, bright green sauce with a rich, nutty texture.

Step 4: Caramelize Vegetable Base

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil.

Add sliced bell peppers and diced onions, cooking until they develop deep golden-brown edges and become soft and slightly charred.

Step 5: Layer Slider Stacks

Split slider rolls and create delicious layers by spreading arugula pesto on the bottom bun.

Top with the caramelized vegetables, juicy nduja meatballs, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Brush the top of the sliders with herb-infused butter.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls turn golden and crispy.

Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Nduja Sliders – Kitchen Tips You’ll Want to Know

• Add extra nduja for a spicier kick or reduce for milder flavor. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout.
• Use fresh arugula for brighter flavor. Toast walnuts briefly before blending to enhance their nutty essence.
• Cook peppers and onions slowly to develop deep, sweet flavors. Ensure high heat for beautiful golden-brown edges.
• Choose melty cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for optimal gooeyness. Grate cheese fresh for better melting and taste.
• Brush herb butter between rolls for extra moisture and flavor. Arrange meatballs carefully to ensure even distribution in each slider.

New Twists for Pull Apart Nduja Sliders

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace pork with plant-based ground meat or lentil mixture, using vegetable nduja alternative for spicy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free slider rolls for celiac-friendly version.
• Chicken Meatball Remix: Switch pork for ground chicken, maintaining nduja and spice profile for lighter protein option.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace marinara with tzatziki sauce, swap walnuts with pine nuts in pesto for Greek-inspired slider variation.

How to Serve Pull Apart Nduja Sliders with Style

• Flavor Fusion Fiesta: Pile sliders high with extra arugula pesto for a zesty green pop that adds freshness.
• Crowd-Pleaser Platter: Arrange sliders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra marinara and pesto for interactive dining.
• Game Day Glamour: Serve alongside crisp pickles, cold beer, and fresh coleslaw to create a complete meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Spicy Side Kick: Offer hot sauce or red pepper flakes on the side for heat lovers who want an extra flavor kick.

Storing Pull Apart Nduja Sliders

• Store cooked sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor mixing.
• Place sliders in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve taste and texture.
• Unwrap slider, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 45-60 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Wrap slider in foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Unwrap last 2 minutes for crispy edges.

FAQs

• What is nduja and why is it special in this recipe?

Nduja is a spicy, spreadable Italian pork salami from Calabria. It adds intense, fiery flavor and richness to the meatballs, making them extra delicious and unique.

• Can I substitute nduja if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use chorizo or hot pepper paste as alternatives. These options will provide similar spicy and fatty characteristics that nduja brings to the meatballs.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming dry?

Use a combination of ground pork with some fat content and mix in panko breadcrumbs. Baking them in marinara sauce also helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Pull Apart Nduja Meatball Sliders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy nduja meatball sliders bring Italian-American fusion to party appetizers. Crusty rolls packed with zesty meat and melted cheese promise a crowd-pleasing bite you’ll crave at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
• 1/4 pound (113 grams) nduja
• 1 large egg
• 6 ounces (170 grams) fontina cheese
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) parmesan

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (30 grams) panko
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) grated onion
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Accompaniments and Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil plus 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 12 dinner rolls
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• Dried herbs for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine ground pork with spicy nduja spread, breadcrumbs, and selected seasonings in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
2. Shape mixture into uniform meatballs, arranging them on a prepared baking sheet for even cooking at 425°F for precisely 10 minutes.
3. Remove meatballs from initial baking, generously coat with marinara sauce, then return to oven at reduced 325°F temperature for additional 15 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
4. Create vibrant arugula pesto by processing fresh arugula leaves, grated parmesan cheese, toasted walnuts, minced garlic, and olive oil until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet, stirring occasionally until edges caramelize and vegetables develop rich golden-brown coloration.
6. Carefully slice dinner rolls horizontally, layering each with prepared arugula pesto, sautéed vegetables, freshly baked nduja meatballs, and complementary cheese selections.
7. Brush assembled sliders with aromatic herb-infused butter, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and rolls become golden and crispy.

Notes

• Add a small amount of milk or water to the meatball mixture for extra moisture and tenderness, preventing dry results.
• Toast the panko breadcrumbs beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crispier texture in the meatballs.
• Swap pork for ground turkey or chicken to make a lighter version of the slider, perfect for those wanting a healthier option.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg