These irresistible Pizza Sliders pack all your favorite pizza flavors into perfect party-sized bites – ready in just 25 minutes! Melted cheese, savory toppings, and buttery rolls combine to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that both kids and adults will love.
With only 5 minutes of prep time needed, these cheesy sliders are ideal for game day gatherings, casual entertaining, or an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
- Hawaiian Rolls: 12 rolls, sliced in half for the perfect slider base
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for brushing the rolls
- Marinara Sauce: 1/3 cup, plus extra for dipping
- Cheese Blend: 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and 1/3 cup fresh parmesan
- Pepperoni: 4 oz, thinly sliced
- Garlic Butter Topping: ¼ cup melted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon each of oregano and basil (or 1 teaspoon each if using dried)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Rolls: Set your oven to high broil. Slice rolls and brush with olive oil on both cut sides
- Initial Toast: Broil rolls until golden, watching carefully to prevent burning
- Temperature Adjustment: Lower oven temperature to 350°F
- Layer Assembly: Spread marinara, then add mozzarella, pepperoni, and finish with parmesan
- Preparation: Close sandwiches and cut into individual sliders
- First Bake: Cover with non-stick foil and bake for 15 minutes
- Final Touch: Add garlic butter mixture and bake additional 5-10 minutes until perfectly melted
Cooking Techniques
The magic of these pizza sliders happens in two stages! First, we toast those fluffy Hawaiian rolls until they’re golden brown – this creates a perfect crispy base that won’t get soggy.
Then, we use a tent of foil during baking, which helps the cheese melt evenly while keeping the tops from burning. The final brush of garlic butter adds an amazing flavor boost and that beautiful shine you see at pizza shops!
Make It Your Own
These sliders are super flexible! Try swapping pepperoni for Italian sausage, ham, or mushrooms for a different twist.
Not a fan of mozzarella? Provolone works great too! You can even use different rolls – regular dinner rolls or slider buns will work, though Hawaiian rolls add that touch of sweetness that makes these extra special. For a veggie version, load them up with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black olives.
Serving Tips
These sliders shine at parties! Set up a dipping station with warm marinara sauce and ranch dressing. They’re perfect for game day, movie night, or kids’ parties.
Serve them while they’re hot and gooey – that’s when they’re at their best! Add a simple green salad or some crunchy veggie sticks on the side to make it a complete meal. And hey, if you’re serving a crowd, you can easily prepare these ahead and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.
Storage and Reheating
Keep any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes – this keeps the bread crispy and melts the cheese perfectly. You can also wrap them in foil first to prevent the tops from getting too brown. Try to avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Pizza Sliders
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
For Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 4 oz pepperoni slices
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh Oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Heat oven to high broil. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half. Place on a lined baking sheet, open face up. Brush a light layer of olive oil over open tops and bottom insides. Broil for a few minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the toasted rolls. Layer with mozzarella, pepperoni, and then parmesan. Apply top rolls to sandwich them together.
- Cut into 12 rolls (I cut them before baking, since it’s easier when they’re cold). Tent rolls with a piece of non-stick aluminum foil
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread garlic butter on top. Return to oven for about 5-10 more minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side, for dipping, if desired.
