Ingredients
– 1 pound ground pork
– ¼ pound nduja (a spicy, spreadable Italian pork sausage)
– ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
– ¼ cup grated onion
– ¼ cup chopped parsley
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups arugula
– ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
– ¼ cup toasted walnuts
– 2 garlic cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 12 dinner rolls
– 6 ounces sliced fontina cheese
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– ½ teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1-Gather and Prep: First, gather all ingredients and prep by mincing garlic, finely chopping onion, and slicing slider buns. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2-Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground pork, ¼ pound nduja, ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated onion, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 large egg until fully mixed. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and place them in a baking dish.
3-Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Add 2 cups marinara sauce over the meatballs and bake for an additional 15 minutes; allow to cool.
4-Make the Pesto and Veggies: Prepare the pesto by blending 2 cups arugula, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup toasted walnuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ cup olive oil until smooth. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté 1 small red bell pepper and 1 small red onion for 7-8 minutes until softened and browned; let cool.
5-Assemble and Finish: Raise the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Slice 12 dinner rolls in half while keeping them connected, place the bottom halves on a baking sheet, spread 3 tablespoons of the pesto on each, add the sautéed peppers and onion, then top with one meatball per roll and 6 ounces sliced fontina cheese. Cover with the top halves. In a small bowl, mix ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder; brush the tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with the herb mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and serve warm.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍞 Toast bottom halves of rolls if very soft to avoid sogginess.
🍳 Make meatballs ahead and store up to one day before assembly.
🌿 Arugula pesto can be prepared up to five days in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking and cooking time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Contains pork and dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
