Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders

Name: Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup sriracha sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 12 small slider buns; Lettuce leaves (optional); Sliced cucumbers (optional)

Highlighted under: Party Table Recipes

I love these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders because they perfectly balance sweet and spicy flavors. Whenever I serve them, friends and family can’t help but come back for seconds. The combination of honey and sriracha creates a delightful glaze that clings to juicy meatballs, all nestled between soft slider buns. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that works wonders for gatherings or even a casual dinner. Each bite bursts with flavor, making them irresistible!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:42:29.591Z

Making these Honey Sriracha Meatball Sliders was one of the most fun cooking adventures I've had recently. I experimented with different meat blends and found that a mix of beef and pork brings out the juiciness in the meatballs. While I initially chose a standard recipe for meatballs, adjusting the seasoning with sweet and spicy elements truly transformed the dish.

One of my favorite tricks is to broil the meatballs for the last few minutes of cooking to get a lovely caramelized finish. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a mouthwatering texture that catches everyone's eye. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Sweet and spicy glaze that tantalizes your taste buds
Perfect finger food for parties or game nights
Juicy meatballs nestled in soft, fluffy sliders

      

Choosing the Right Meat

The combination of ground beef and ground pork brings a rich flavor profile to the meatballs, with the beef providing a hearty base while the pork adds moisture and tenderness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but be aware that the texture may be slightly drier. For a unique twist, try adding ground lamb for a more robust flavor. Just remember that different meats may require slightly different cooking times, so monitor them closely.

Perfecting the Sauce

The balance between sweet and spicy in the sauce is crucial for the delicious glaze. If you want more heat, feel free to increase the sriracha incrementally; just add a teaspoon at a time and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the honey's sweetness. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet note and to accommodate vegan diets. Additionally, adding a splash of lime juice can enhance the brightness of the sauce.

Making it Ahead of Time

These sliders can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for gatherings. You can make the meatballs a day ahead; just cook them and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 10-15 minutes. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately. For peak flavor, mix the meatballs with the sauce just before serving to ensure they maintain their glaze and warmth.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed to make these delightful sliders.

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup sriracha sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar

For Assembly

12 small slider buns
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Sliced cucumbers (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you're on your way to creating delicious sliders!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these tasty sliders.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.

Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, mix the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until well combined, about 5 minutes.

Glaze and Broil

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the sauce over them. Toss to coat. For added flavor, place the coated meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

Assemble the Sliders

Place a meatball in each slider bun, and add lettuce and cucumber slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Your sliders are now ready to serve! Enjoy your homemade creation.

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, feel free to add shredded carrots or crispy fried onions on top of the sliders before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun presentation, serve these sliders on a platter with assorted dips, such as a tangy yogurt sauce or a creamy cilantro lime dip. Adding a side of crunchy slaw can also enhance the meal by providing a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the meatballs. If you're hosting a party, consider setting up a slider bar with various toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, and different sauces to cater to diverse tastes.

If you're aiming for a complete meal, accompany the sliders with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a balanced offering. The sweetness of the fries pairs well with the spicy meatballs, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Storing and Freezing

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zipper bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you decide to make the sliders ahead of time, I recommend keeping the components separate until you're ready to serve. This prevents the buns from getting soggy and ensures each slider maintains its delicious texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your meatballs turn out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the ingredients. Mix just until combined to retain a lighter texture. Additionally, if they fall apart during cooking, consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs or an extra egg to help bind them without compromising flavor.

Another common issue is the sauce being too thick or too thin. If it's too thick, whisk in a small amount of water or vinegar as it heats. If it turns out too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken, or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs, but be sure to heat them thoroughly and add the sauce for extra flavor.

→ What can I substitute for sriracha?

You can use any hot sauce you prefer, or even mix a sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge before baking or even freeze them for later use.