Get ready to win game day, parties, and family dinners with these incredible Pizza Sliders. This recipe transforms simple Hawaiian rolls into cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-packed bites of goodness. We’re not just making basic sliders; we’re taking them to the next level with a garlic butter topping that makes them absolutely irresistible. Forget delivery, because this is the pull-apart pizza experience everyone will be talking about. They are the perfect appetizer or an easy weeknight meal.
These Pizza Sliders are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The sweet Hawaiian rolls perfectly complement the savory pepperoni and rich marinara, while gooey mozzarella cheese brings it all together. It’s the classic pizza flavor you love, reimagined in a fun, shareable format that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Pizza Sliders Recipe is a Game Changer
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why it stands out from the rest:
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready for the oven.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet rolls, savory toppings, and a rich garlic herb butter is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfectly Customizable: Don’t stop at pepperoni! You can easily swap toppings to create supreme, veggie, or even meat-lovers versions.
- No More Soggy Sliders: We include a crucial but simple tip to ensure the bottoms of your rolls stay perfectly soft and toasted, never soggy.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pizza Sliders
The magic of these sliders lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: A 12-count package is perfect. The slight sweetness is the ideal base for the savory pizza toppings.
- Pepperoni: Use your favorite brand of sliced pepperoni. About 24-36 slices will give you great coverage.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For the best melt, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. You’ll need about 2 cups.
- Marinara Sauce: A quality store-bought sauce works great to keep things simple.
- Butter: This is the base for our incredible garlic butter topping.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These transform the melted butter into a flavorful, herbaceous glaze.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of cheesy, savory flavor on top.
How to Make Pizza Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these pepperoni Pizza Sliders is as easy as assembling and baking. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. A long serrated knife works best for this. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Toast the Buns (The No-Soggy Secret!): Lightly toast the bottom buns in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes. This simple step is the key to preventing a soggy bottom and makes a huge difference.
- Layer the Fillings: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the toasted bottom buns. Next, layer on half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni slices, and then the remaining mozzarella cheese. Place the top slab of rolls back on.
- Make the Garlic Butter Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Brush and Bake: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This helps them hold together. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping!
Pro Tips for the Best Sliders Every Time
Want to guarantee your Pizza Sliders are the best on the block? Follow these simple but effective tips.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches that prevent it from melting smoothly. For that epic cheese pull, always shred your own from a block of low-moisture mozzarella.
- Don’t Skip Toasting: I can’t stress this enough! Toasting the bottom buns is the single best way to ensure your sliders are perfectly structured and not a soggy mess.
- Let Them Rest: Giving the sliders 5 minutes to rest after coming out of the oven allows the cheese to set up slightly, making them much easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
Fun Pizza Slider Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Pizza Sliders recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Supreme Sliders: Add cooked sausage, diced green peppers, and black olives along with the pepperoni.
- Hawaiian Sliders: Swap the pepperoni and marinara for diced ham, pineapple tidbits, and a light BBQ sauce base.
- White Pizza Sliders: Use a base of White Garlic Pizza Sauce or a ricotta cheese mixture instead of marinara for a creamy, delicious twist.
- Meat Lovers: Layer pepperoni with cooked crumbled Italian sausage and bacon for an extra hearty version. For another great slider idea, try our Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders.
What to Serve with Your Sliders
These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, a bowl of Crock Pot Potato Soup, or some delicious Crispy Roasted Cauliflower for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These Pizza Sliders are perfect for party planning. You can assemble them completely (without the butter topping) up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Then, just add the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the sliders without the butter topping up to 4 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the butter topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
The best way to prevent soggy sliders is to briefly toast the bottom half of the buns in the oven for 3-5 minutes before adding any toppings. This creates a slight barrier that stops the sauce from soaking through.
Pizza sliders are very versatile! They pair well with a simple Caesar salad, french fries or tater tots, celery and carrot sticks with ranch, or a bowl of marinara sauce for extra dipping.
For the best flavor and melt, use low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly. Provolone is also a great, flavorful alternative.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these sliders, you’ll definitely enjoy our incredible Garlic Cheese Bombs or this super simple Stromboli Recipe. They are perfect for sharing!
The Ultimate Pizza Sliders Recipe
Pizza Sliders: The Ultimate Easy & Cheesy Party Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Toast the bottom buns in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes. This prevents them from getting soggy.
- Spread marinara sauce over the toasted buns. Top with half of the mozzarella, all of the pepperoni slices, and the remaining mozzarella.
- Place the top half of the rolls onto the sliders.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with extra marinara for dipping if desired.
Notes
Cheese Tip: For the best, gooiest cheese pull, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders without the butter topping up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
I can’t wait for you to try this easy Pizza Sliders recipe! It’s a staple in our house for a reason. If you make it, please leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
