Description
These delicious Pizza Sliders are a perfect party appetizer or a fun family meal. Made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a flavorful garlic butter topping, these sliders bake to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Easy to prepare and packed with cheesy, pizza-inspired flavors, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30 pepperoni slices
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the sliders.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it forms an even base.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom half of the rolls to create a flavorful pizza base.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce for a melty cheesy layer.
- Arrange Pepperoni: Place 30 slices of pepperoni evenly over the mozzarella cheese to cover the surface.
- Second Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a light second layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni for extra cheesiness.
- Replace Top Half: Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back on to cover the filling, creating the slider sandwich form.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Brush Topping: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls to add flavor and encourage browning.
- Add Parmesan: If desired, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for an extra savory finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the sliders cool slightly. Slice into individual portions and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Keep the rolls connected when slicing to easily assemble and prevent the sliders from falling apart.
- Optional Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use fresh marinara sauce or your favorite pizza sauce for best flavor.
- For spicier sliders, substitute pepperoni with sliced spicy salami or add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- To keep sliders warm before serving, loosely cover with foil after baking.
