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
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
Instructions
- Combine ground pork with spicy nduja spread, breadcrumbs, and selected seasonings in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Shape mixture into uniform meatballs, arranging them on a prepared baking sheet for even cooking at 425°F for precisely 10 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet, stirring occasionally until edges caramelize and vegetables develop rich golden-brown coloration.
- Carefully slice dinner rolls horizontally, layering each with prepared arugula pesto, sautéed vegetables, freshly baked nduja meatballs, and complementary cheese selections.
- 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