Appetizers are life.

But no, I mean seriously. Serious flavor packed in a tiny bite. What’s not to love?

And what I love the best, is that because it’s a small bite, you get to taste even more of all the things.

It’s how I prefer to eat when I go out to dinner.

It’s also the perfect entertaining vehicle. Lots of different options to meet any palate out there. It allows you to make sure that everyone is happy.

And small bites work for any occasion. Tailgating. Check. Birthday parties. Check. New years eve. Check. Saturday snacks. Check. Check.

And let me just tell you, these pork meatball sliders are not to be missed. It’s like a traditional meatball sub, but so much more satisfying. The game-changer, is removing the center of the bread (and then toasting and using it for croutons later) so the meatball pops right in. Just the right amount of bread, and a perfectly made meatball slathered in sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for any occasion that warrants a comforting, cozy, and take you right back to home bite.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground pork

1 Tbsp tomato paste

1 egg

1 Tbsp dried italian parsley

2 cloves of garlic, minced

5 leaves of basil, shredded

3 green onions, green part sliced

1/2 tsp white pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup panko

12 butter dinner rolls

marinara sauce

fresh sliced mozarella

fresh basil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450.

In a bowl, combine pork, paste, egg, parsley, garlic, basil, onions, pepper, oregano, salt, and panko.

Don’t over mix, just make sure that all ingredients are incorporated. I use my hands.

Roll into meatballs - this will make 24 meatballs

Line a jelly roll pan with foil, and top with a wire rack.

Place meatballs on rack.

Cook for 20 minutes. Check for browning, then cook an additional 10 minutes being careful not to over cook.

Lower oven temp to 350.

Line a jelly roll pan with tin foil. Spray with avocado oil.

Place a 12 pack dinner roll cluster on the sheet. Scoop out the center of each roll.

Place a spoonful of marinara sauce in each roll.

Add a meatball. Top with more sauce. Then a slice of mozarella. Sprinkle fresh basil.

Bake at 350 until cheese starts to golden.

Remove and serve.