Pizza Sliders Recipe

The Best Pizza Sliders Recipe for Fun Family Dinners

Crispy mini pizza sliders have become my latest culinary obsession, promising bite-sized delights that pack massive flavor.

Compact and irresistible, these little sandwiches deliver incredible taste in every single mouthful.

Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and savory toppings combine to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.

Small yet mighty, each slider brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.

Crafting these mini marvels requires minimal effort but generates maximum excitement among hungry guests.

Quick assembly and bold flavors make these sliders an instant winner for anyone seeking a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack.

How to Keep Pizza Sliders Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftover pizza sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicious taste and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sliders and place on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds if refrigerated, or 1-2 minutes if frozen. Use medium power to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy edges.

Your Pizza Sliders Questions, Answered

  • Can I use different types of rolls for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Hawaiian rolls with other soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Just ensure they are similar in size to maintain the recipe’s proportions.

  • Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace pepperoni with alternatives like bell peppers, mushrooms, or vegetarian pepperoni to create a meat-free version.

  • How can I make the sliders spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or include sliced jalapeños between the cheese and pepperoni layers for extra heat.

  • Can these pizza sliders be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Reasons to Love Pizza Sliders Every Time

  • Conquer Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These pizza sliders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone craves delicious bite-sized treats.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, ham, or vegetarian options to create personalized sliders that satisfy different taste preferences in one simple dish.
  • Speed into Deliciousness: Requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, these sliders transform classic pizza flavors into a quick, mouthwatering meal that can be ready in under an hour.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, saucy mini sandwiches that provide a fun twist on traditional pizza, making mealtime exciting and interactive for everyone at the table.

Complete Ingredient List for Pizza Sliders

Breads:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that create the base for these delicious pizza sliders.
Cheeses:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella provides a stretchy, melty texture, while parmesan adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
Proteins:
  • Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza topping that brings spicy and savory notes to the sliders.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Pizza Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base with traditional pizza flavors.
  • Garlic Salt, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall taste and give an authentic pizza-like profile.
Binding and Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy top and adds richness to the sliders.

How to Prepare Delicious Pizza Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Mixture

Whip up a delectable butter blend by mixing:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic salt
  • Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese

Set this magical mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Slice and Arrange Rolls

Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Gently place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Build the Cheesy Foundation

Layer the bottom of the rolls with mozzarella cheese slices. Strategically place pepperoni slices across the cheese for maximum flavor coverage.

Step 5: Add Saucy Goodness

Drizzle pizza sauce generously over the pepperoni. Crown the sauce with another layer of mozzarella cheese slices.

Step 6: Top and Brush

Crown the slider base with the top half of the rolls. Lovingly brush the reserved butter mixture over the entire roll surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the baked creation into individual sliders and serve piping hot. Watch as hungry guests devour these irresistible mini pizzas!

Expert Advice for Crafting the Best Pizza Sliders

  • Swap Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni for a leaner protein alternative.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispy texture.

Creative Ways to Vary Your Pizza Sliders

  • Veggie Supreme Sliders: Replace pepperoni with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option packed with garden-fresh flavors.
  • Mediterranean Herb Sliders: Swap pizza sauce with tzatziki, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • BBQ Chicken Sliders: Substitute pepperoni with shredded BBQ chicken, use cheddar cheese, and drizzle extra BBQ sauce for a tangy southwestern style.
  • Breakfast Pizza Sliders: Top with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese for a morning meal transformation that works perfectly for brunch or quick breakfasts.

Serving Suggestions to Complement Pizza Sliders

  • Sip and Savor Companions for Pizza Sliders
  • Pair Crisp Italian Pilsner: Light, hoppy beer that cuts through the rich cheese and pepperoni, refreshing the palate with each bite.
  • Match Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: Extra pizza sauce on the side amplifies the slider's tangy flavor profile, providing a complementary moisture boost.
  • Serve Chilled Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with parmesan and light dressing offers a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy sliders.
  • Complement Sparkling Strawberry Mocktail: Sweet, bubbly drink balances the savory slider, providing a playful non-alcoholic option for all ages.
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Pizza Sliders Recipe

Pizza Sliders Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mouth-watering pizza sliders bring Italian-inspired mini sandwiches to your dinner table with irresistible cheesy goodness. Small yet packed with robust flavors, these sliders deliver a delightful twist you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 48 slices pepperoni
  • 12 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) parmesan cheese, finely grated

Base:

  • 1 package (12-count) Kings Hawaiian rolls

Seasoning and Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (114 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup (193 grams) pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Whisk together melted butter, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as one unit, and nestle the bottom section into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Create a uniform layer of mozzarella cheese slices across the roll bottoms, then evenly distribute pepperoni over the cheese.
  5. Generously spread pizza sauce across the pepperoni layer, followed by another layer of mozzarella cheese slices.
  6. Position the top half of the rolls over the cheese and sauce, then lavishly brush the prepared butter mixture across the roll surface.
  7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the rolls develop a golden-brown crust.
  8. Allow the baked sliders to cool briefly, then slice into individual portions and serve while warm.

Notes

  • Customize the pepperoni by using turkey pepperoni for a leaner option that cuts down on calories and fat.
  • Swap Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free rolls to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile, adding a vibrant and aromatic touch to the sliders.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or plant-based pepperoni alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 266
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 577 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 33 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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