Turkey Meatball Sliders

Serves

Sliders are mini burgers — easy to make and fun to eat. Instead of plain burgers, we've created turkey meatballs in a tasty marinara sauce. Served up on a small dinner roll or bun, these kid-sized treats will disappear in no time!

For a change of pace, try ground beef, pork or chicken instead of turkey. The meatballs and sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance; reheat them on the stovetop over low heat before assembling the sliders.

It's easy for youngsters to help with this recipe; we've broken the directions down into tasks that need a parental hand, and others that could be appropriate for kids. The more kids get involved in the selection and preparation of their food, the more likely they'll be to taste new things and develop healthy eating habits.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs (from 2 to 3 slices firm bread)
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
3 cloves Earthbound Farm Organic Garlic (finely minced)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 cup minced Earthbound Farm Organic Italian Parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
1 pound ground dark turkey meat
  olive oil
4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
8 small soft rolls or buns 2 inch diameter (split in half)

Directions

For Kids: Place the bread crumbs in a medium-size bowl and add the milk, stirring to combine. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add the egg, garlic, parmesan, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper, and stir to blend. Add the ground turkey and use your hands to combine the mixture; don’t overmix.

For Parents: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Generously oil the bottom of a heavy oven-proof skillet, such as cast iron, or a baking pan; set aside.

For Kids: To make the meatballs, fill either a 1/4-cup or a 1/3-cup dry measuring cup level with the brim. (You’ll get 10 meatballs with a 1/4 cup, 8 with a 1/3 cup.) Arrange the meatballs so that they don’t touch each other in the prepared skillet.

For Parents: Bake the meatballs for 35 minutes. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, using a spoon to cover each of the meatballs with some of the sauce (to keep them from drying out). Continue baking for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the meatballs cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

For Kids: Place one meatball on the bottom half of a roll and top with a dollop of sauce. Cover with the top of the roll. Repeat with the remaining sliders.