Oh man, if you’re looking for the ultima crowd-pleaser, you’ve gotta try these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders.
Think warm, gooey, cheesy pizza goodness packed into soft, buttery rolls. These are perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or even a fun family dinner.
They’re so easy to make that even the kids can get in on the action—and trust me, they’ll love every bite. Bonus? No slicing pizza, just grab a slider and go!
What You’ll Need
For the Sliders:
- 12-pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls (or any soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices of pepperoni (about 2 per slider)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pro Tips
- Slice the Rolls as a Pack: Use a serrated knife to slice the entire pack of rolls horizontally in one go—it saves time and keeps everything neat!
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or grease the baking dish for easy cleanup. Cheese can get messy!
- Customize the Fillings: Add sliced olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage to switch things up.
- Brush Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on the buttery topping—that’s where the magic happens!
- Reheat in Foil: If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven to bring back that melty goodness.
Tools Needed
- Serrated knife
- Baking dish (9×13 works perfectly)
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl for the topping
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Rolls: Sub Hawaiian rolls for regular dinner rolls or mini baguettes.
- Cheese: Use cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend instead of mozzarella.
- Sauce: Swap marinara for Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor.
- Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni or veggie options if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble the sliders up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just brush on the butter topping and pop them in the oven!
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Preheat your oven while you assemble the sliders.
2. Slice the Rolls
Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
3. Layer the Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese, layer pepperoni slices, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
4. Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
5. Bake the Sliders
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut and serve!
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them soft and melty.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, cheesy, kid-approved recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
Try them, and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any fun twists? I’d love to hear in the comments! 🍕