**Recipe Title:** Spicy Nduja-Pork Meatball Sliders with Arugula-Walnut Pesto & Fontina Cheese
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**Summary:**
These party-perfect sliders are a gourmet twist on classic meatball sandwiches. Spicy nduja-pork meatballs are paired with a zesty arugula-walnut pesto and gooey melted fontina cheese, all nestled in buttery herb-topped rolls. These sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing bold flavors and a touch of elegance to your party table.
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**Prep Time:** 25 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 55 minutes
**Servings:** 12 sliders
**Calories per Serving:** 320 kcal
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**Course:** Appetizer, Main Dish
**Cuisine:** Italian-Inspired
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### Ingredients:
#### For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 3 oz nduja (spicy spreadable pork sausage)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
#### For the Arugula-Walnut Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Sliders:
- 12 soft slider rolls
- 6 oz fontina cheese, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and parsley)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
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### Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Food processor
- Skillet
- Basting brush
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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
1. **Mix Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine ground pork, nduja, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. **Shape Meatballs:** Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 12–14 meatballs.
3. **Cook Meatballs:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with olive oil, then sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked.
#### Step 2: Make the Arugula-Walnut Pesto
1. **Blend Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine arugula, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. **Add Olive Oil:** With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
1. **Prep the Rolls:** Slice the slider rolls in half. Arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of arugula-walnut pesto on each roll.
2. **Add Meatballs:** Place one meatball on each roll, then top with a slice of fontina cheese.
3. **Top and Butter:** Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian herbs and garlic powder.
#### Step 4: Bake the Sliders
1. **Melt the Cheese:** Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
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### Recipe Variations:
- **Mild Version:** Substitute nduja with mild Italian sausage for a less spicy option.
- **Nut-Free Pesto:** Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- **Cheese Swap:** Try provolone or Gruyère instead of fontina for a different flavor.
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
**Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?**
A: Yes! Prepare the meatballs and pesto in advance. Assemble the sliders just before baking.
**Q: What is nduja?**
A: Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Italy, known for its bold flavor and soft texture.
**Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?**
A: Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling the sliders.
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### Notes:
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- If arugula is unavailable, spinach or basil can be used in the pesto.
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### Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- **Calories:** 320 kcal
- **Fat:** 21g
- **Carbohydrates:** 16g
- **Protein:** 16g
- **Sugar:** 3g
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### Conclusion:
These Spicy Nduja-Pork Meatball Sliders are a bold and flavorful appetizer that will steal the spotlight at any event. With their perfectly spiced meatballs, vibrant pesto, and melty cheese, they’re a guaranteed hit for your party table. Serve them hot and watch them disappear! 🎉🍔