Pizza Sliders

Pizza sliders bring the joy of classic pizza into a perfectly portioned, handheld snack ideal for game days or casual gatherings. This colorful twist combines soft Hawaiian rolls stuffed with layers of melted mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni, baked to golden perfection.

The beauty of these sliders is how quickly they come together, offering an irresistible combination of gooey cheese and flavorful toppings encased in buttery, tender bread. They are a simple crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

• Hawaiian Rolls (12 count package): Soft, sweet slider buns that hold fillings well and provide a tender, buttery texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella (2½ cups, divided): Smooth melting cheese essential for the classic gooey pizza taste, split for layers and topping.
• Pizza Sauce (3/4 cup): Rich and tangy tomato sauce that adds authentic savory flavor grounding the sliders.
• Deli Style Dry Cured Pepperoni (20 slices): Spicy, thin slices add a smoky, zesty punch and traditional pizza meatiness.
• Salted Sweet Cream Butter (1/3 cup, melted): Brushed on top for golden color and rich, buttery aroma.
• Grated Parmesan (2 tbsp): Adds a sharp, nutty layer on top enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Dried Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs like oregano and basil for authentic Italian flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish

Set your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your sliders bake evenly and do not stick to the pan.

Slice rolls horizontally

Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected and carefully slice them horizontally in half. This splits the rolls into top and bottom layers while maintaining their shape for easy layering.

Arrange bottom buns and cheese

Place the bottom connected buns into the prepared pan. Spread 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the buns. This base layer of cheese will melt into the bread for a cheesy foundation.

Add sauce and pepperoni

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cheese, then arrange 20 pepperoni slices in five rows of four on top. Layering ingredients evenly guarantees balanced flavors in each slider.

Layer remaining cheese and top buns

Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella on top of the pepperoni, then carefully place the top connected buns over the cheese layer. This encloses all fillings before baking.

Brush with butter and season

Brush the melted butter generously on the top buns for a golden finish. Sprinkle grated parmesan and dried Italian seasoning across the top to add flavor and enhance browning during baking.

Bake covered and slice

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and buns are golden. Remove from oven and slice the sliders apart carefully while hot for serving.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza sliders tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp bread texture and melted cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pizza sliders warm alongside a crisp green salad or crunchy veggie sticks for a balanced meal. They also pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just cover with foil tightly before baking.

Can I use other types of rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls give sweetness and softness, other soft dinner rolls can work but the flavor and texture will vary.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni and add extra veggies or plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly slider.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the buns crisp and cheese melted.

Can I freeze pizza sliders?

Yes, wrap baked sliders tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating in the oven.

Pizza Sliders

Soft Hawaiian rolls filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, brushed with butter and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game day snacks or easy appetizers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 229 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9x13 baking dish lightly sprayed with nonstick spray
• 1 pastry brush for brushing melted butter
• 1 aluminum foil for covering sliders while baking

Ingredients

  

• 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (1 cup and 1 1/4 cups)
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 20 slices deli style dry cured pepperoni
• 1/3 cup salted sweet cream butter melted
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
• Keeping the rolls connected, slice the package horizontally in half.
• Remove the top row of connected buns and set aside.
• Place the bottom row of buns in the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom buns.
• Spread pizza sauce over the mozzarella layer.
• Layer 20 slices of pepperoni evenly over the sauce.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni.
• Place the top row of buns evenly over the cheese.
• Brush melted butter over the top buns using a pastry brush.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan and dried Italian seasoning on top.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.

Notes

• Store leftover sliders wrapped tightly or in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Can microwave in short intervals, but bread may become soggy.
• Make a double batch for larger groups.
• Sliders are ready when tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.