Pizza Sliders Recipe

If you’ve ever wished pizza could be even more fun and perfectly shareable, this Pizza Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with savory marinara, gooey mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, baked to golden perfection and brushed with a fragrant garlic-Italian butter glaze. It’s an irresistible combo that’s easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether for game day, a casual dinner, or a party snack, these sliders deliver all the tasty goodness of pizza in one delightful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but powerful, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your sliders. From the sweet Hawaiian rolls that provide a tender base to the melty mozzarella bringing creamy richness, every component counts.

• 12 Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they’re the perfect bite-sized bread to hold everything together.
• 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds tangy, tomatoey moisture that’s bursting with flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that essential ooey-gooey melt that makes pizza so irresistible.
• 30 pepperoni slices: Brings a spicy, savory punch to each slider.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Used in the garlic butter glaze to give the tops a crisp, flavorful crust.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick into the butter topping.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil enhances that classic pizza taste.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish if you want an extra layer of flavor on top.

How to Make Pizza Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This simple first step sets you up for success and ensures those sliders bake evenly.

Step 2: Slice Your Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, making sure you keep all the rolls connected like a sandwich. Place the bottom half of the rolls in your prepared baking dish – this will be the sturdy base that holds all your tasty fillings.

Step 3: Layer the Sauce

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This adds moisture and classic pizza flavor, ensuring every bite is saucy without being soggy.

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara. This cheese will melt into a creamy blanket, binding all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 5: Arrange the Pepperoni

Next, lay out your pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese layer. This gives each slider that signature spicy, savory bite – a must for any true pizza lover.

Step 6: More Cheese!

Sprinkle another light layer of mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. This extra cheese not only adds richness but also helps meld the toppings together once baked.

Step 7: Replace the Top Half

Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back onto the assembled layers, pressing gently to secure. This seals in all the cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Prepare Garlic-Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls. This step transforms the top crust into a golden, aromatic treat every pizza slider needs.

Step 9: Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional)

If you want to elevate your sliders even further, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top after brushing with butter. The Parmesan melts into a slightly crisp, salty finish that’s simply irresistible.

Step 10: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and the flavors to meld while keeping the rolls soft.

Step 11: Uncover and Brown

Take off the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until the tops turn a perfect golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. This final step adds a lovely crispness to the crust.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Let your pizza sliders cool for a few minutes so the cheese can set slightly. Then slice through the rolls and serve warm, optionally paired with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, the dipping sauce is like the cherry on top!

How to Serve Pizza Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

To make your pizza sliders feel even more special, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano on top right before serving. This adds a burst of fresh herbal aroma that complements the rich layers perfectly. You could also offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table for anyone craving a little heat.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple garden salad or crunchy veggie sticks dipped in ranch. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside some garlic Parmesan fries or a bowl of warm tomato soup to keep the pizza theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your sliders family-style on a large wooden board or a festive platter, encouraging everyone to grab a piece. For parties, serve in mini baking dishes or individual ramekins with dipping sauce cups. You can even stack the sliders in a fun tower for a playful centerpiece that will get everyone talking before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 3 days, making a perfect snack or quick lunch option. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the sliders but don’t bake them yet. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the baking instructions. This is a fantastic way to prep ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered. This helps the cheese melt again and keeps the rolls from getting soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful slightly crispy top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness and softness, you can try other soft sandwich rolls like dinner rolls or even slider buns. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might change slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the pepperoni and add more veggies like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to keep the sliders packed with flavor without the meat.

Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely. Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking. This makes them perfect for party prep or busy weeknights.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Using a good-quality marinara sauce with robust tomato flavor really makes a difference. You can use store-bought or homemade. Just avoid overly watery sauces to keep your sliders from getting soggy.

Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?

Yes, the possibilities are endless! Try cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or even pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist. Just layer your chosen toppings before adding the last cheese layer.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Pizza Sliders Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful way to bring people together over shared, delicious food. It’s quick, easy, and combines all the best parts of pizza into a bite-sized marvel. Once you taste these warm, gooey sliders, they’ll become your go-to recipe for casual dinners, parties, or anytime you want a fun, comforting treat with a twist!

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