Follow Me On Social Media!
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick weeknight dinner that will have everyone reaching for seconds? These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders transform everything you love about pizza into adorable, handheld bites that are perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun family meal.
With gooey melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and savory pizza sauce all nestled between soft, buttery slider buns, these little sandwiches deliver big pizza flavor without the fuss of making dough from scratch. They’re the perfect solution when you’re craving pizza but want something a little different!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep work
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or hungry kids
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights
- Portable for potlucks, picnics, or lunch boxes
Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian dinner rolls
- ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2.5 ounces mini pepperoni
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian dinner rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping all the rolls connected. You'll end up with one slab of tops and one slab of bottoms. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the bottom half of the rolls, going all the way to the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) over the sauce layer, distributing it evenly.
- Arrange the mini pepperoni evenly over the first layer of cheese, slightly overlapping them to ensure every bite gets some pepperoni flavor. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni to help hold everything together.
- Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the filling, matching it up with the bottom half so the individual rolls line up properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Some of the mixture will drip down the sides, which will add flavor and help crisp the edges.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn't touch the tops of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil prevents the tops from burning while allowing the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the sliders easier to cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the seams of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Meat lover’s version: Add cooked Italian sausage or bacon bits along with the pepperoni.
- Hawaiian style: Include pineapple tidbits and Canadian bacon or ham.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve (may need extra few minutes in the oven).
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or crushed red pepper to the butter mixture.
- If tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are delicious on their own, but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a party spread, serve alongside marinara or ranch dipping sauce and some crispy garlic parmesan fries or a bowl of your favorite chips.
For a fun pizza night twist, set up a slider bar with these as the main attraction, accompanied by various dipping sauces, vegetable sticks, and perhaps some antipasto skewers.
Notes
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through (microwave works too but may make them slightly soggy).
- Look for golden brown tops and melted cheese oozing from the sides as signs they’re done.
- For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-packaged (it melts better).
FAQs
Can I freeze these pizza sliders?
Yes! Assemble them completely (except for the butter topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add butter mixture, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best type of rolls to use?
Hawaiian sweet rolls work wonderfully for a slight sweetness that complements the savory fillings, but any connected slider buns or dinner rolls will work great.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. They’re perfect for stress-free entertaining.
How can I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
If you’re concerned about soggy bottoms, try lightly toasting the bottom half of the buns for a few minutes before adding the toppings, or use slightly less sauce.
Servings6
Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Calories443 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian dinner rolls
- ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2.5 ounces mini pepperoni
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian dinner rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping all the rolls connected. You'll end up with one slab of tops and one slab of bottoms. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the bottom half of the rolls, going all the way to the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) over the sauce layer, distributing it evenly.
- Arrange the mini pepperoni evenly over the first layer of cheese, slightly overlapping them to ensure every bite gets some pepperoni flavor. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni to help hold everything together.
- Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the filling, matching it up with the bottom half so the individual rolls line up properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Some of the mixture will drip down the sides, which will add flavor and help crisp the edges.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn't touch the tops of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil prevents the tops from burning while allowing the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the sliders easier to cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the seams of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 443 kcal
