Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack for Any Occasion

Craving a snack that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing? Look no further than this Pizza Sliders Recipe! Imagine soft, pillowy rolls layered with melted mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce, all topped with a luscious garlic-herb butter. These sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, irresistibly bite-sized form.

Pizza Sliders in a baking pan, ready to be served.
Golden brown and bubbly, these Pizza Sliders are a cheesy delight.
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Why These Pizza Sliders Will Become Your New Favorite

As a slider enthusiast, I’ve experimented with countless variations, from classic French Dip to savory Monte Cristo. But I can honestly say, these Pizza Sliders have earned a permanent spot at the top of my list! The inspiration struck one evening when I found myself with leftover pepperoni, a jar of pizza sauce, and a package of Hawaiian rolls. The result? A slider masterpiece.

The key to these sliders is the layering technique, reminiscent of a lasagna. But the real game-changer is the garlic-herb butter brushed over the tops, creating a golden, flavorful crust that rivals the best garlic knots. Trust me, these aren’t just good – they’re amazing! They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and tasty meal, these Pizza Sliders are the perfect choice.

Sliders are one of my go to meals because everyone enjoys them. Plus, leftover sliders still taste great! They also make the perfect appetizer at gatherings.

All the ingredients for making Pizza Sliders laid out on a table.
Gather your ingredients and get ready to create these delectable Pizza Sliders.

What You’ll Need: The Pizza Sliders Ingredients List

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for the perfect Pizza Sliders, along with some helpful tips and substitutions:

Ingredient Tips & Swaps
Hawaiian Rolls Opt for a fresh, soft package. These sweet rolls create the perfect base for the sliders.
Mozzarella Cheese Shredding your own mozzarella will ensure the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. You can use provolone cheese as a substitute.
Pepperoni Deli-sliced pepperoni offers the most robust flavor. However, pre-packaged pepperoni works just fine, too.
Pizza Sauce Choose a thick, flavorful pizza sauce that you love. Rao’s is a popular choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own homemade pizza sauce.
Unsalted Butter Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in the garlic-herb butter. You can substitute with salted butter, just make sure to omit the salt.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder These add a classic Italian flavor to the butter. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a stronger herb flavor, increase the amount of oregano.
Garlic butter and cheese being spread on Hawaiian rolls for Pizza Sliders.
The magic begins with the garlic-herb butter and a generous layer of cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pizza Sliders

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Pizza Sliders:

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Garlic-Herb Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced onion, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Assemble the Bottom Layer: Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the greased pan. Brush the insides of the bottom layer with some of the garlic-herb butter mixture. Make sure to get it into all of the crevices of the rolls.
  4. Add the Filling: Layer the mozzarella cheese slices, then the pepperoni, followed by the pizza sauce, more pepperoni, and top with the remaining mozzarella slices. This layering ensures a cheesy, flavorful bite every time.
  5. Top with the other layer of rolls, then bake: Place the top half of the rolls onto the sliders. Brush the top and sides of the rolls generously with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, if desired, for a cheesy crust. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving.
Layering pepperoni, sauce, and cheese on the Pizza Sliders.
Each layer contributes to the overall deliciousness of these sliders.

What to Serve with Your Pizza Sliders

These Pizza Sliders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with complementary sides. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Caesar Salad: A classic and refreshing pairing for anything pizza-inspired.
  • Veggie Sticks and Dip: A crunchy and healthy addition to your slider feast.
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A warm and comforting side dish that complements the savory flavors of the sliders.
  • Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a bright and flavorful salad that pairs perfectly with pizza flavors.
  • Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the sliders.
  • Italian Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad loaded with vegetables is a hearty and satisfying side.
Adding the top layer of rolls, brushing with butter, and baking the Pizza Sliders.
The final touch: a generous brush of butter and a bake to golden perfection.

Storage Tips for Your Pizza Sliders

While these Pizza Sliders are best enjoyed fresh, they’re still delicious as leftovers! Here’s how to store them properly:

  • Refrigerate: Allow the sliders to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • Reheat: Warm the sliders in the oven or air fryer until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.

More Slider Recipes to Explore

If you love these Pizza Sliders, you’ll definitely enjoy these other slider recipes:

Cheeseburger Sliders

French Dip Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Meatball Sliders Recipe

Pizza Sliders Recipe Card

Finished Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders Recipe

These gooey, cheesy Pizza Sliders feature soft rolls stuffed with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tasty pizza sauce, brushed with a garlic-herb butter that bakes to golden perfection.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
Sliders
  • 12-count package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
  • 12 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Butter
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in remaining ingredients listed under “butter.”
  3. Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. Brush 2-1/2 tablespoons of the prepared butter mixture onto the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. (So you’ll use a total of 5 tbsp butter).
  4. Layer in the following order: 6 cheese slices, 12 pepperonis, pizza sauce, 12 more pepperonis, 6 remaining cheese slices. Do not add top slab of rolls yet. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove pan from oven and place top half of the rolls onto the sliders. Brush the top and sides of the rolls generously with the remaining butter mixture. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  6. Serve hot, cutting into individual sliders.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Keep the rolls intact and slice in half horizontally.

How to slice the Hawaiian rolls

Note 2: I prefer deli-sliced pepperoni. If using smaller, packaged pepperonis, you’ll need about 48. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your preference.

Store: Store cooled Pizza Sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through. (I don’t recommend microwaving).

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.