December 29, 2023
Review RecipePizza Sliders
Gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings all between fresh slider buns make these pizza sliders a delicious option to whip up in a flash.
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These pizza sliders are a great way to enjoy everybody’s favorite food in a different and delicious new way. Mini buns are piled with rich pizza sauce, spicy pepperoni, and melted cheese for this tasty twist with the same classic pizza flavors we all know and love.
Pizza Sliders Ingredients
These pizza sliders offer a delicious blend of flavors, with sweet Hawaiian rolls as the base.
Layers of melted mozzarella cheese and tangy pizza sauce provide a rich and creamy backdrop, while spicy pepperoni slices add a savory kick.
You’ll need:
- 1 (12-count) package of Hawaiian rolls
- 2½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided 1 cup and 1½ cups)
- ¾ cup of pizza sauce
- 20 slices of deli-style dry-cured pepperoni
- ⅓ cup of salted sweet cream butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
PRO TIP:
It is best to shred the mozzarella cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often comes with a coating that prevents it from melting properly.
Substitutions And Additions for Pizza Sliders
PEPPERONI: You can substitute one five-ounce package of mini pepperoni for the full-size slices.
If you are looking for a different option instead of pepperoni, Italian sausage, or even ground beef will work.
You could also try other proteins like cooked sausage or ham.
CHEESE: You can substitute slices of provolone for the bottom layer of shredded mozzarella. You could also add whole slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
BUNS: You can substitute bakery dinner rolls for the beloved King’s hawaiian rolls. Keep the sweet rolls connected when slicing.
Use a serrated knife to easily cut the soft dinner rolls.
PIZZA SAUCE: In place of pizza sauce, marinara sauce would also work well in this recipe. Or what about BBQ sauce for a smoky option?
SAUCE: A garlic-rich alfredo sauce can be a great alternative. These options maintain the pizza-like essence while introducing a slightly different taste.
TOPPINGS: If you have other favorite pizza toppings, add those to these yummy sliders, too. Green pepper, onions, mushrooms, and black olives are all delicious additions to this easy recipe.
SEASONING: Enhance the buttery topping with a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, and a little fresh parsley can deepen the herbaceous flavors, giving an aroma similar to freshly baked Italian bread.
More Flavors of Pizza
HAWAIIAN STYLE: Add a twist by incorporating pineapple chunks and ham in place of pepperoni. This gives a sweet and savory flavor reminiscent of Hawaiian pizza.
MEAT LOVERS: Use sausage, hamburger, and pepperoni to make these like a classic meat-lover pizza from your favorite local pizza place.
BBQ CHICKEN: Swap out the pepperoni for cooked, shredded BBQ chicken. This addition brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, making the sliders unique and mouthwatering. Add caramelized onion for a deeper flavor profile.
SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE: For a more gourmet twist, try adding a layer of spinach and chopped artichokes under the cheese. This gives a creamy and tangy flavor, turning the sliders into a spinach-artichoke delight.
HOT SAUCE OR CHILI FLAKES: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, drizzling hot sauce over the cheese or sprinkling chili flakes can be a game changer. It adds heat without overpowering the core flavors of the sliders.
How To Make This Pizza Sliders Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
STEP TWO: Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice the rolls in half horizontally.
STEP THREE: Remove the top row of the connected buns and carefully set it aside.
STEP FOUR: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the bottom of the baking dish.
We do recommend using a casserole dish instead of a baking sheet for these easy sliders.
STEP FIVE: Sprinkle one cup of the shredded mozzarella on top of the bottom buns.
STEP SIX: Spread the pizza sauce over the mozzarella.
STEP SEVEN: Layer five rows of four slices of pepperoni on top of the pizza sauce.
STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of the layer of pepperoni slices.
STEP NINE: Lay the top half of the rolls on top of the shredded mozzarella.
STEP TEN: Use a microwave-safe small bowl to melt the butter. If you want to add extra seasonings, you can do so at this step.
Then, using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on the top half of the buns.
PRO TIP:
Don’t skimp on the butter. It soaks into all the nooks and crannies and adds a ton of flavor to both the top and the bottom half of the slider buns.
STEP ELEVEN: Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the melted butter sauce.
STEP TWELVE: Sprinkle the teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning on top of the grated parmesan.
STEP THIRTEEN: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
PRO TIP:
The tops of the rolls will toast on top quickly. It is important to cover the full pan with a sheet of aluminum foil for the full 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt all the way in the center of the dish.
Once the rolls are hot and melty all the way through, remove the foil and continue cooking for just a few moments to toast the tops of the buns.
STEP FOURTEEN: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully slice the rows to release the individual slider sandwiches. Serve while hot.
How To Serve Pizza Sliders
These easy pizza sliders will be a family favorite once everyone gets a taste of their cheesiness and flavor. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping. Add a broccoli cauliflower salad for a complete dinner.
Add our crack dip and raw veggies for even more delicious offerings.
Our buffalo chicken sliders and roast beef sliders are two more favorite recipes that are perfect for the big game or easy meal.
When to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Pizza sliders are versatile and can fit into various occasions and settings.
Here are some ideas for when to serve them:
Quick Weeknight Meal: Filled with your favorite toppings, cheese, hearty sauce, and spicy pepperoni, topped with delicious garlic butter on soft rolls, these are the perfect quick dinner.
Game Day Food: Perfect for a crowd, serve these sliders during football season, basketball finals, or any sports event where finger foods are a hit.
Children’s Birthday Parties: Kids love pizza, and these sliders are a fun, manageable size for little hands. They’re great for birthday parties or playdates.
Potluck Dinners: Because they’re easy to transport and don’t require reheating, pizza sliders are excellent for potlucks. They’re a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Movie Nights: Swap out the traditional popcorn for pizza sliders during a Friday night family movie night or a get-together with friends.
Appetizer for Dinner Parties: Serve them as a tasty appetizer before the main course at casual dinner parties or family gatherings.
After-School Snacks: A great snack for kids coming home from school, they’re filling, tasty, and can be ready in no time.
Weekend Lunches: Ideal for a relaxed weekend lunch, especially when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Holiday Celebrations: They can be a festive addition to your holiday spread, especially for informal gatherings like New Year’s Eve or Halloween parties.
MORE PIZZA RECIPES
Storage Tips for Pizza Sliders
Here’s how to store them to keep that deliciousness intact:
MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on these sliders, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the melted butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning on top.
Cover your dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold from the fridge.
IN THE FRIDGE: These pepperoni pizza sliders don’t keep overnight well and are intended to be eaten when baked.
If there are leftovers, flip the slider over so that the top bun is the bottom bun. The thinner bottoms tend to become soggy if left on the bottom. You can keep them in the fridge for a day.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing these pizza sliders as the buns will get soggy, and they won’t reheat well.
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: These sliders deliver a burst of classic pizza flavors in every bite, from the savory pepperoni to the gooey cheese and zesty sauce, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
EASY TO MAKE: With step-by-step instructions and handy tips, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for those new to cooking or looking for a quick and hassle-free meal on busy nights.
PERFECT FOR SHARING: Whether you’re hosting a game night, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these sliders are a fantastic choice for sharing with friends.
These cheesy pizza sliders are a delicious and fun twist on your favorite pizza. Tangy pizza sauce, pepperoni, and lots of cheese are all layered between soft buns for this quick dinner idea.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I freeze sliders?
We do not recommend freezing these Hawaiian roll pizza sliders as the buns will get soggy and they won’t reheat well.
Can I choose a different kind of cheese for these sliders?
These quick and easy pizza sliders would be yummy with any type of melted cheese on top to make them all gooey.
Can I make pizza sliders ahead of time?
These pizza pull-apart sliders are best made just ahead of serving so that the bottom buns don’t get soggy from the pizza sauce.
What are the best buns to use for slider buns?
Sweet Hawaiian rolls are just the right size for these but any other mini sandwich rolls can be used as well.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
- Campfire Pizza
- Pizza Zucchini Boats
- Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Pizza Sliders
Gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings all between fresh slider buns make these pizza sliders a delicious option to whip up in a flash.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 12 count Hawaiian rolls
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided 1 cup and 1½ cup
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices deli-style dry-cured pepperoni,
- ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice the rolls in half horizontally.
- Remove the top row of the connected buns and carefully set it aside.
- Place the bottom row of connected buns in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella on top of the bottom buns.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the mozzarella.
- Layer 5 rows of 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the pizza sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top of the pepperoni.
- Lay the top row of connected buns on top of the shredded mozzarella.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the buns.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning on top of the grated parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and carefully slice the rows to release the individual slider sandwiches. Serve while hot.
Video
Notes
- It is best to shred the mozzarella cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often comes with a coating that prevents it from melting properly.
- Don’t skimp on the butter. It soaks into all the nooks and crannies and adds a ton of flavor to both the top and the bottom half of the slider buns.
- The tops of the rolls will toast on top quickly, so it is important to cover the full pan with a sheet of aluminum foil for the full 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt all the way in the center of the dish. Once the rolls are hot and melty all the way through, remove the foil and continue cooking for just a few moments to toast the tops of the buns.
Nutrition
Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 346mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Miska Knezevic says
excellent!