Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders

Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders are a flavorful combination of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and sweet honey, paired with juicy, tender meatballs on soft slider buns. The meatballs are typically made from ground chicken or beef, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and then coated in a sauce made from a blend of buffalo hot sauce and honey, creating the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. These sliders are often topped with a creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or pickles for added flavor and texture.

I first made Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders when I was craving something spicy and sweet but still easy to prepare, and they turned out to be an absolute hit! The meatballs are so flavorful, and the honey buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of kick without being overwhelming. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce, or add extra toppings like coleslaw for crunch. Whether for game day, a party, or a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

Game day gatherings
Family dinners
Potlucks
Parties
Buffalo sauce enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders will be a hit:

Sweet and Spicy Flavor Combo: The honey buffalo sauce perfectly balances sweet and spicy.
Juicy Meatballs: The meatballs are tender and packed with flavor.
Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and assemble, making them perfect for busy days.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your liking by controlling the buffalo sauce.
Perfect Party Size: Small and portable, ideal for any gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs can be prepped and cooked ahead of time.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as sliders or standalone appetizers.
Bold and Zesty Sauce: The honey buffalo sauce is a game-changer.
Comfort Food Appeal: Warm, hearty, and satisfying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 280 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 23g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

the Honey Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup buffalo sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon butter

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns
1 cup coleslaw mix
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Sauce: Brings the classic spicy kick.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.
Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Coleslaw Mix: Provides crunch and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Prepare the Honey Buffalo Sauce:

Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine buffalo sauce, honey, and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
Coat Meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs in the honey buffalo sauce until fully coated.

Assemble the Sliders:

Prepare Coleslaw: In a medium bowl, mix coleslaw, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Build Sliders: Place a saucy meatball on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and the top bun.

Serve:

Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders:

With Extra Sauce: Serve with a side of honey buffalo sauce for dipping.
As a Meal: Pair with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
On Game Day: Set up a slider bar with various toppings.
With Pickles: Add pickle slices for a tangy crunch.
As Appetizers: Serve the meatballs alone with toothpicks and extra sauce.
In Lettuce Wraps: Swap buns for lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
With Cheese: Add a slice of melted cheddar or mozzarella.
With Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices for a fresh twist.
With Potato Chips: Serve sliders with a side of crunchy potato chips.
For Lunchboxes: Pack sliders in a bento box for an on-the-go meal.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Meat: Use a blend of ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Control the Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce’s spiciness by adding more honey for sweetness or extra hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Perfectly Shaped Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized meatballs, which helps them cook uniformly.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the texture tender.
Chill Before Cooking: Let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to make them easier to shape and less likely to fall apart.
Sear for Extra Flavor: Sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking for a caramelized crust and deeper flavor.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns to prevent sogginess and add a nice crunch.
Add Cheese for Creaminess: A slice of melted provolone, cheddar, or blue cheese on top of each meatball enhances the flavor profile.
Serve with Fresh Veggies: Balance the richness with crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, or thinly shredded carrots for a refreshing crunch.
Garnish for Presentation: Top each slider with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Recipe Variations

Turkey Meatballs: Swap beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Spicy Honey Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
Blue Cheese Sliders: Top with crumbled blue cheese for a classic buffalo pairing.
BBQ Buffalo Sliders: Mix a bit of BBQ sauce into the buffalo sauce for a smoky twist.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meatballs and dairy-free butter.
Asian-Inspired Sliders: Add soy sauce and ginger to the meatball mix for an Asian flavor profile.
Cheesy Sliders: Stuff each meatball with a cube of cheese before cooking.
Hawaiian Sliders: Use Hawaiian sweet rolls and add a slice of pineapple.
Spicy Coleslaw: Add sriracha to the coleslaw for an extra kick.
Garlic Butter Buns: Brush buns with garlic butter before assembling sliders.

Special Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl – Perfect for combining ground meat and seasonings.
Small Whisk – For blending the honey buffalo sauce smoothly.
Ice Cream Scoop (1-inch) – Ensures uniform meatball sizes.
Non-Stick Baking Sheet – Keeps the meatballs from sticking during baking.
Silicone Baking Mat – Protects the baking sheet and aids in even cooking.
Cast Iron Skillet – Adds a nice sear to meatballs before baking.
Pastry Brush – Ideal for applying extra sauce to sliders.
Mini Slider Buns Cutter – For perfectly round buns if making them from scratch.
Slow Cooker – Keeps the meatballs warm and saucy for serving.
Toothpicks or Mini Skewers – Handy for holding the sliders together.

FAQ Section

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, the meatballs can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat meatballs?
Reheat meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, store-bought meatballs can save time. Simply heat and coat them in honey buffalo sauce.
How do I keep sliders warm for a party?
Keep sliders warm in a slow cooker set to the lowest heat setting.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, simply double all ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
What type of buns work best?
Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work perfectly.
How do I prevent soggy sliders?
Toast the buns and assemble sliders just before serving.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a gluten-free option.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free butter and mayonnaise to make the recipe dairy-free.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
You can use a spicy BBQ sauce or sriracha for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders are a delicious and satisfying appetizer or meal, combining the sweet heat of honey buffalo sauce with juicy, tender meatballs, all served on soft slider buns. The meatballs are typically made with ground beef or turkey, seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked or pan-fried until golden. They’re then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from buffalo sauce, honey, garlic, and a little vinegar, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

These sliders are great for game day, parties, or as a fun family meal. You can add extras like sliced pickles, lettuce, or even cheese to customize your sliders to your liking. The combination of crispy meatballs and the zesty, sticky sauce makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

I can’t wait to see how your Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these sliders your own!