Turkey Meatball Sub Sliders

Slider Buns - adapted from recipezaar.com

1 cup water

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup sugar

3 tsp yeast

1 tbs vital wheat gluten

Place all ingredients in bread pan according to manufacturer's directions. Select dough setting.

When dough cycle has finished, remove bread pan, and turn out dough onto a floured countertop. Gently roll and shape the dough into an 18" rope. 

With a sharp knife, divide dough into 16 pieces.

Grease 2 baking sheets. Roll pieces of dough into small balls and flatten. Place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rise in warm oven 10 to 15 minutes until almost doubled. 

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.  When ready to use, split buns horizontally. These will keep in plastic bag in the freezer for 3 to 4 weeks.

Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey

1 tsp pepper

1 tbs Italian seasoning

1 egg

3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Form into 1 1/2" meatballs.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.

Sauce

1 tbs olive oil

1 tbs minced garlic

1 12 oz. can tomato paste

1 14 oz. can tomato sauce

3/4 cup water

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp chili powder

2 tbs sugar

2 tbs brown sugar

In a medium pot(preferably a Magna-lite) cook garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.  Add tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Stir in tomato sauce and water.  Add Cajun seasoning, chili powder, sugar, and brown sugar.  Simmer on low.

To assemble sliders:

Additional ingredient need:

mozzarella cheese

 Split each slider bun horizontally.  Add 3 meatballs to the bottom of each slider.  Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.  Place tops back on sliders. Bake for 5 - 8 minutes at 400 degrees until cheese is melted.