Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that everyone will love. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, these sliders combine soft Hawaiian rolls with gooey cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and flavorful pepperoni. Whether serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a quick dinner option, Pizza Sliders pack delicious flavor into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready to bake.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, kids love them, and adults can’t resist the cheesy goodness.
- Versatile – Customize your sliders with different toppings or sauces to suit your taste.
- Easy Cleanup – Using a single baking dish means less mess and more time to enjoy your snacks.
- Make Ahead – Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving for warm, fresh sliders.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Pizza Sliders, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick spray
- 9×13 baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Knife for slicing
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick spray – Prevents the sliders from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal.
- 9×13 baking dish – Ideal size for accommodating all 12 sliders at once.
- Pastry brush – Helps evenly spread melted butter on top of the buns for that golden finish.
Ingredients
Bread
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
Cheese
- 2½ cup shredded mozzarella (divided 1 cup and 1 ¼ cup)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Toppings
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices deli style dry cured pepperoni
Seasoning & Butter
- ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
How to Make Pizza Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Remove the top row of buns and set it aside gently.
Step 3: Layer the Bottom Buns
Place the bottom row of connected buns in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Sauce
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the bottom buns. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the mozzarella layer.
Step 5: Layer the Pepperoni
Layer five rows of four slices of pepperoni over the pizza sauce for that classic flavor.
Step 6: Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni layer to ensure cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 7: Cover with Top Buns
Carefully lay the top row of connected buns over the cheese.
Step 8: Add Butter & Seasoning
Using a pastry brush, generously apply melted butter on top of the buns. Sprinkle grated parmesan followed by Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Step 9: Bake
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and carefully slice between rows to release individual slider sandwiches. Serve while hot for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a game day party or a family dinner, serving these sliders can enhance the experience and make it even more enjoyable.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic choice, this sauce adds extra flavor and moisture to your sliders.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Garlic Butter Dip: For those who love garlic, this dip adds an irresistible richness.
Create a Slider Platter
- Mixed Sliders: Offer different types of sliders alongside your pizza sliders to cater to all tastes.
- Garnishes: Add pickles, olives, or sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve with Side Salads
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the sliders.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and basil pairs wonderfully with cheesy flavors.
Make it a Meal
- Soup Pairing: Serve with a warm bowl of tomato or minestrone soup for a comforting meal.
- Chips and Salsa: For a casual touch, add tortilla chips with salsa on the side.
How to Perfect Pizza Sliders
To ensure your Pizza Sliders turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff: Keep toppings balanced; too much filling can make sliders messy and hard to eat.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the sliders to cool slightly after baking; this helps them hold together better when served.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Double Bake for Crunchiness: If you like crispy edges, bake them uncovered for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your Pizza Sliders can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and complement the cheesy flavors of the sliders.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and balances out the richness of the pizza sliders.
- Buffalo Wings: Add some heat with spicy buffalo wings that pair perfectly with pizza flavors.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh raw veggies with dip provide a healthy contrast to indulgent sliders.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer crispy bites that go hand-in-hand with pizza.
- Onion Rings: Golden onion rings add crunch and flavor that enhances your pizza slider experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pizza Sliders at home is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.
- Slice the rolls: Cutting through the rolls completely can lead to messy sliders. Keep them connected and slice them horizontally for easy assembly.
- Skip the butter: Not brushing melted butter on top can result in dry sliders. Use it generously to enhance flavor and achieve a golden crust.
- Overstuffing with toppings: Adding too many toppings can make the sliders soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture and taste.
- Neglecting to cover while baking: Leaving them uncovered may cause the tops to brown too quickly. Cover with aluminum foil for even cooking and moisture retention.
- Not allowing time to cool: Serving them immediately from the oven can be tempting, but letting them cool slightly helps with slicing and enhances flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pizza Sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pizza Sliders
- Wrap Pizza Sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Pizza Sliders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pizza Sliders, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.
How do I make Pizza Sliders vegetarian?
You can easily customize your Pizza Sliders by using vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives instead of pepperoni. Add extra cheese for more flavor!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist on your Pizza Sliders.
How do I serve Pizza Sliders at parties?
Slice the sliders into individual servings and arrange them on platters. They’re perfect finger foods that guests can easily enjoy while mingling.
What dips pair well with Pizza Sliders?
Serve your sliders alongside marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. These complement the flavors of the sliders beautifully!
Can I prepare Pizza Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them beforehand and store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Sliders are an irresistible treat that’s perfect for game day or any gathering. Their flexibility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or veggie options, these sliders are sure to delight everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will love it!
Pizza Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 sliders 1x
Description
Pizza Sliders are the ultimate comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of pizza into a convenient, bite-sized snack. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy evenings at home, these delightful sliders feature soft Hawaiian rolls filled with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can create these mouthwatering treats that are sure to impress family and friends. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces, Pizza Sliders are not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Bake them ahead of time and serve warm for a delightful addition to any gathering!
Ingredients
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices deli-style dry-cured pepperoni
- ⅓ cup melted salted sweet cream butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Keeping the rolls connected, slice them in half horizontally.
- Lay the bottom buns in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the buns and spread pizza sauce on top.
- Layer pepperoni evenly over the sauce.
- Add remaining mozzarella over the pepperoni.
- Place the top buns on, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Slice and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
