If you are craving something fun, flavorful, and perfectly shareable, this Pizza Sliders Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine the cozy comfort of pizza packed into bite-sized, soft Hawaiian rolls topped with melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and spicy pepperoni, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet utterly satisfying dish that makes for an irresistible snack, party appetizer, or even a casual meal with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this Pizza Sliders Recipe, it will quickly become your favorite easy-to-make crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with essential ingredients that each play an important role in building those fabulous layers of flavor and texture. Every item counts, from the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls to the punch of herbs that brighten the whole dish.
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls: The foundation of these sliders; their sweetness balances the savory toppings perfectly.
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato goodness, helping to meld the toppings together.
- 24 slices pepperoni: Brings that classic pizza spice and a little crisp when baked.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving each slider that gooey pizza charm.
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted: Used to add richness and a buttery golden crust on top.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, savory aroma that complements the cheese and pepperoni.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic pizza herb that deepens the flavor profile with its earthy tones.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that crisps up in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh green pop and mild herby brightness at the end.
How to Make Pizza Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which is perfect for getting those rolls warm and the cheese to melt just right. Without separating the Hawaiian rolls, slice the entire sheet horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the base holds all the toppings snugly without slipping.
Step 2: Spread the Marinara Sauce Evenly
Next, spread the marinara sauce across the bottom layer of the rolls. Be generous but precise, making sure every bite gets a good hit of that vibrant tomato flavor without making the bread soggy.
Step 3: Layer with Pepperoni and Cheese
Carefully layer all 24 slices of pepperoni over the marinara, covering the surface so every slider gets that spicy kicker. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, allowing each slider to bubble and become irresistibly gooey once baked.
Step 4: Add Top Rolls and Butter Mixture
Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls back onto the layered bottom. Press down gently to create a compact slider slab. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Use a brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with this flavorful butter blend; this step is what gives the sliders a beautiful golden hue and aromatic finish.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Bake
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the buttery tops for a sharp, crispy crust once it’s baked. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes to gently warm through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Slice
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliders if you like a burst of freshness and color. Slice the entire batch between the rolls to separate the sliders, and serve them warm for maximum gooey, melty goodness.
How to Serve Pizza Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese for a pretty and flavorful finish. A drizzle of extra marinara or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added on the side for those who like a bit more heat or moisture.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a light pasta salad to round out the meal without overpowering the star of the show. If you want extra indulgence, serve alongside creamy garlic dip or ranch dressing for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pizza sliders on a large wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or ranch. You can also stack them on a tiered platter to elevate the presentation and give guests an easy grab-and-go experience. Don’t forget colorful toothpicks to keep the sliders neat and add festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza sliders tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They hold up well and keep their flavor, making for a quick snack or easy lunch on busy days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the entire uncut slider slab tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the soft bread and melty cheese integrity.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tops crisp and the bread from getting too soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rolls for this Pizza Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide a lovely sweet contrast, soft sandwich rolls or dinner rolls will work perfectly too. Just make sure the rolls are soft and sliceable.
What if I don’t have pepperoni? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can swap pepperoni for other cured meats like salami or even cooked sausage. For a vegetarian option, try sliced mushrooms, olives, or roasted veggies instead.
Is it possible to make these sliders dairy-free?
Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the pizza sliders in advance and bake later?
Definitely! Prepare the sliders as instructed but hold off on baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking fresh when ready to serve.
How many does this Pizza Sliders Recipe serve?
This recipe makes 12 sliders, perfect for serving 12 people or fewer if double portions are desired. It’s an ideal party appetizer or snack size for groups.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Sliders Recipe is such a fun, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a compact, handheld form. It’s quick to throw together but packed with bold taste and comforting textures that everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these sliders are sure to be a hit every time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Pizza Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Sliders featuring soft Hawaiian rolls layered with marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter topping. Perfect for a party snack or quick meal, these sliders bake to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls
Filling
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating them, slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two halves. Place the bottom half of rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 0.5 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom half of the rolls to create the pizza base.
- Add Pepperoni: Layer all 24 slices of pepperoni evenly over the marinara sauce for full coverage and flavor.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni layer.
- Top with Roll Halves: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls on the cheese and gently press down to compact the layers.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 0.25 cup melted unsalted butter, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano until well combined.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls to add flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttery tops of the rolls.
- Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley over the baked sliders for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Serve: Slice the sliders and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or vegetables for a different variation.
- To make ahead, assemble the sliders but do not bake; cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- These sliders are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
