Meatball Sliders in Herb-Buttered Rolls

OK, these are seriously awesome. Savory roasted meatballs, nestled inside pillowy, garlic-and-herb buttered dinner rolls and baked with marinara and mozzarella. Imagine if a meatball sub and pull-apart bread had a baby. Great for a crowd, satisfying for adults, fun for kids, perfect for anything. Just try to stop at one.

What makes these meatball sliders extra special is the layers of flavor going on. First, the rolls are brushed inside and out with a garlic and herb-spiked butter. Then, the meatballs are seasoned and roasted until caramelized - so they're crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Then, those meatballs are plopped into the soft dinner rolls and topped with marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Each bite has so many levels... you can't eat just one. Good thing the recipe makes 12. Of course, you could easily double the recipe and make 24.

Meatball Sliders in Herb-Buttered Rolls 

1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1 teaspoon dried basil, divided
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 package soft dinner rolls, 12 count
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup marinara sauce of choice
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, 1/2 teaspoon of the oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of the basil, 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape the mixture into 12 meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared pan and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Meanwhile, transfer the dinner rolls to a shallow baking dish. Use a small knife to cut a round opening in the top of each dinner roll and remove a little bit of the dough, making room for the meatballs.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave and then mix in the remaining oregano, basil and garlic powder.

Brush the mixture all over the top, sides and insides of the dinner rolls. Place the roasted meatballs in the rolls. Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs and then top with the cheese.
Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

Serves 4-6