| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 482 | 22g | 9g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 2g | 26g | 1.1g |
Why I Love Canadian Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders
There’s a special place in my heart, in the fabric of my family’s culinary legacy, for my grandparents’ recipes. Even when I branch out to explore dishes beyond my Italian-American roots, I find myself reflecting their influence in my cooking. On occasion, I am inspired to infuse foreign flavors, as in the case of the Canadian recipe – the Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders. Even though meatball sliders are far removed from the classic spaghetti and meatballs I grew up with, this recipe resonates with me for its warm, familiar undertones.
A Staple with a Twist
Meatballs are a staple in my family, and when I stumbled upon the work of Elizabeth Baird, an esteemed Canadian chef known for her spins on homestyle classics, I was thrilled. The beauty of the Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders is in their versatility. They have the heartiness of a traditional Italian meatball and the sweetness of Canadian maple syrup. Add a dash of smokiness and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress at your next summer gathering.
A Multisensory Experience
What truly sets the Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders apart is the combination of textures and flavors in every bite. The soft slider bun, the juicy meatball, the zesty BBQ sauce, and then the slightly sharp cheddar cheese – it’s a multisensory experience that’s sure to ignite your taste buds. The dish feels hearty and comforting, yet it brings an exciting twist with the hint of maple and smoke.
I think these sliders would pair wonderfully with crunchy oven-baked fries or a refreshing tomato cucumber salad for a complete meal. All said and done, the Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders are as much about the joy of cooking as they are about the flavors and enjoyment of the final dish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 12 small slider buns
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- Pickles for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Two
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Place the meatballs into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Step Three
While the meatballs are baking, combine the BBQ sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir all the ingredients together and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Four
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir everything together until all the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
Step Five
Cut the slider buns in half and place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Top each cheese slice with a meatball and spoon a little extra sauce over top. Top with the second half of the slider bun and serve warm with pickles if desired.
Step Six
Enjoy your Smoked Maple BBQ Meatball Sliders as a delicious appetizer or a main dish!
