Name: Spaghetti Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 slider rolls; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 clove garlic, peeled (optional); 8 ounces dried spaghetti; 1½ cups marinara sauce, divided; 1½ cups grated mozzarella cheese, about 6 ounces, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Imagine spaghetti night meets party food perfection and you get Spaghetti Sliders—a cozy, gooey fusion of beloved pasta and pillowy bread, baked to golden, cheesy bliss. Whether you’re after a nostalgic throwback or a fun twist on family dinner, these little sliders are impossible to resist. They’re loaded with saucy spaghetti, two kinds of cheese, and kissed with garlic butter, making every bite the perfect marriage of comfort and convenience. Spaghetti Sliders are just as fun for game day as they are for a weeknight dinner, and trust me—one batch is never enough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Spaghetti Sliders is simple, familiar, and easy to find, but each ingredient plays a star role in making this crowd-pleaser truly unforgettable. Let’s talk about what goes into making the rolls soft and golden, the pasta rich and flavorful, and the whole batch irresistibly cheesy.

Slider rolls: Soft, squishy rolls make the perfect base and top, holding everything together in every bite-sized sandwich.
Unsalted butter: Brushed on the rolls for irresistible flavor and a beautiful golden finish after baking.
Garlic: Optional but highly recommended for a hint of aromatic flavor that wakes up each bite.
Dried spaghetti: The star! Use classic or whole wheat—just don’t overcook it, so the noodles stay perfectly al dente and easy to twirl onto the sliders.
Marinara sauce: Provides that classic, vibrant tomato base that coats the pasta and keeps everything saucy, not soggy.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream, adding stretches of gooey goodness in every serving.
Parmesan cheese: Infuses rich, salty flavor to balance the sweetness of the sauce and the softness of the mozzarella.
Fresh parsley: For a burst of color and freshness that makes the sliders look as good as they taste.

How to Make Spaghetti Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Rolls

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring everything gets evenly golden. Don’t separate the rolls—just slice them horizontally through the center, so you have one big top and bottom layer. Brush both the inside cuts with melted butter for richness, then toast them in the oven about 10 minutes, until lightly browned. For extra flavor, gently rub the toasted surfaces with a clove of garlic as soon as they come out of the oven. This step makes the bread tempting all by itself and builds a sturdy base for your spaghetti filling.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your dried spaghetti. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and cook until just al dente, following your package instructions. Before draining, save a small cup of the pasta water—this starchy gold can help loosen the mix later if needed. Drain, then add the spaghetti right back into the warm pot to stay hot.

Step 3: Mix Up That Saucy Pasta

Pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce, add 1 cup of mozzarella, all the Parmesan, and your freshly chopped parsley. Toss everything together so each noodle is coated in tangy sauce and melty cheese. If it seems a bit thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of your reserved pasta water. This mixture should look rich and tempting—it’s going to bake to bubbly, cheesy perfection inside your Spaghetti Sliders.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Line up the bottom half of the toasted slider rolls on a sheet pan. Using tongs or a big fork, pile up the saucy spaghetti mixture evenly over all twelve. Spoon the remaining ½ cup of marinara over the top for added moisture and tang, then scatter the rest of the mozzarella for maximum gooeyness. Cap each with the toasted roll tops, nestling them like little sandwiches ready for the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Gooey Perfection

Wrap the assembled sliders loosely with aluminum foil so they stay moist but don’t over-brown. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese inside is completely melted and everything is hot all the way through. If you love a little extra golden color on top, uncover for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

How to Serve Spaghetti Sliders

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh parsley or extra Parmesan over the top right before serving takes these Spaghetti Sliders over the top. If you want a little zip, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil is delicious too. For party vibes, add cute toothpicks to each slider!

Side Dishes

Serve your Spaghetti Sliders with a crisp, lemony salad to cut the richness, or a platter of roasted veggies for a color-packed spread. Garlic knots or baked mozzarella sticks bring out their Italian comfort food vibes, and a bowl of warm marinara for dipping never hurts.

Creative Ways to Present

These make an awesome build-your-own slider bar for casual gatherings—set out the pasta, rolls, and toppings, and let guests assemble their own Spaghetti Sliders just how they like them. Or, cut each slider in half for easy, two-bite appetizers that are perfect for mingling at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them individually or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rolls may soften a bit but will still be delicious and easy to handle for lunch or snack time.

Freezing

Spaghetti Sliders freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap each in foil or airtight freezer bags. Stash them in the freezer for up to 1 month and simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, reheat sliders in a 350 degree oven (wrapped in foil) for about 10-15 minutes. To keep the bread from getting too firm, you can spritz lightly with water before baking. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps everything at peak texture.

FAQs

Can I make Spaghetti Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the sliders to the baking point, wrap the pan well with foil, and stash them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as usual—add a couple extra minutes since they’re starting cold.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from getting soggy?

The key is not to overcook the spaghetti before assembling and to avoid too much sauce inside the sliders. Al dente noodles plus just the right amount of marinara is the magic combo for tender but not mushy bites.

Can I swap out the cheeses?

You sure can! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to use provolone, fontina, or a blend for something extra cheesy. For a sharper bite, try adding a little pecorino Romano alongside the Parmesan.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce—it’s a great place to showcase a garlicky, herby marinara if you love big flavors. If the sauce is especially thick, add a splash of pasta water so the sliders don’t turn out too dry.

Are Spaghetti Sliders kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love them! The fun slider size is perfect for little hands, and the combination of cheesy pasta and soft bread is always a crowd-pleaser at family meals or birthday parties. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies if you like by adding finely chopped spinach or peppers to the spaghetti mix.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s pure comfort, totally fun, and guaranteed to make people smile, Spaghetti Sliders should be next up on your menu. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a tray of sliders that are cozy enough for family dinner and festive enough for a party. Give them a try—you’ll want to make them a regular tradition!