Sweet Cherry Meatball Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders

Cherry lovers, this one is for you 🍒 From the meatballs to the sauce and right into the bun, these Cherry BBQ Meatball Sliders pack a juicy, savory-sweet punch in every bite! Made with Superfresh Growers® Dark Sweet Cherries, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or summer dinner!

Ingredients 

Dark Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce 

• 18 fresh Dark Sweet Cherries
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic, minced

Dark Sweet Cherry Meatballs 

• ½ cup Dark Sweet Cherries, finely diced
• 1 ¼  pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cherry BBQ sauce, see homemade recipe above
• ½ tablespoon steak seasoning 

Dark Sweet Cherry Sliders 

• 1 package of King Hawaiian savory butter rolls, scooped-out centers
• 6 tablespoons cherry BBQ sauce, see homemade recipe above
• 12 cherry meatballs, cooked
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions 

Dark Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce 

1. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and sauté over medium heat until softened and bubbly.
2. Stir frequently.
3. The sauce will become thicker and more uniform after approximately 6 minutes.
4. Once the sauce had thickened, let it cool in the fridge for 20 minutes and transfer it to a blender to puree. You can also use an immersion blender immediately after removing it from the heat.
5. Store and cool in an eight-ounce jar.
   1. You can store this delicious sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Dark Sweet Cherry Meatballs 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Use a melon baller (or scoop) to scoop the meat mixture onto your hand.
4. Shape each portion into a ball and set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, flip, and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Set aside. 

Dark Sweet Cherry Sliders 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Scoop out the centers of each Hawaiian roll with the same melon baller (or scoop) that you used to portion your meatballs.
3. Add ½ teaspoon of your homemade cherry BBQ sauce into each hole.
4. Place a cooked meatball in each hole.
5. Melt your butter in the microwave and stir in the garlic powder.
6. Brush the buttery mixture on top of the rolls.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on each meatball.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
9. Adorn with additional halved cherries.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe created by Eat The Rainbow Kids for Superfresh Growers.