This Pizza Sliders recipe is made with soft dinner rolls, pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices! They’re quick to whip up and make the perfect appetizer or easy weeknight dinner.
You might also like my Ham and Cheese Sliders, Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Sliders, and Chicken Pizziola Sliders on Garlic Herb Biscuits.
Table of Contents
These easy Pizza Sliders are a great option, whether you need something delicious for a crowd at your next party or game day, or just a fun twist on your Friday pizza night.
Pizza sliders combine the delicious flavors of traditional pizza with the convenience of a sandwich.
We love these because it’s easy for the kids to get involved in the prep! Their small size also makes them perfect for little hands to grab on the go.
They are also perfect party food—easy to make in bulk, deliciously appetizing, and just the right size for game day or movie night.
Pizza Sliders Ingredients:
- Dinner Rolls: these provide the soft, slightly sweet base for our sliders. Hawaiian rolls, especially brands like King’s Hawaiian, have a unique sweetness that pairs well with the savory toppings. If you don’t have these, any soft rolls or buns will do.
- Pepperoni: this adds the classic pepperoni pizza flavor to the sliders. If pepperoni isn’t your favorite, you could use crumbled Italian sausage, sautéed peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Pizza Sauce: this adds moisture and the familiar tangy-sweet flavor profile of classic pizzas. Homemade pizza sauce or your local pizza place’s sauce works wonders. In a pinch? Tomato sauce with some Italian seasoning can substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: to provide that classic gooey, stringy texture everyone loves on their pizza.
- Parmesan Cheese adds a sharp, salty kick and aids in achieving a golden-brown crust on top of the sliders. Grated pecorino Romano can be an alternative.
- Butter: to make garlic butter to give the tops of the rolls a delicious garlic butter flavor and help them get crispy in the oven.
- Seasoning: use dried parsley, dried oregano, and garlic powder to bring classic Italian flavors to these pizza sliders in a mix with Parmesan and butter.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
This recipe is quick and easy to make! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Slice rolls: Slice the rolls in half so the tops and bottoms are separated.
- Put in dish and add fillings: Place the bottom part of the rolls in the baking dish and top with half of the cheese, then add half the pepperoni.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spread the sauce and place the remaining cheese slices on top of the sauce.
- Add pepperoni and cheese: Top with the remaining pepperoni and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Add top buns and herb butter: Put top buns on top, then brush the melted butter and herb mix on top.
- Cover and bake: Bake until the tops are slightly toasted, and serve.
How do I store Easy Pepperoni Pizza Sliders?
Leftover pepperoni pizza sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the rolls might not retain their crispy texture.
Can I freeze Pepperoni Pizza Sliders?
You can make the pizza sliders ahead of time and freeze them, but I’d recommend freezing them before baking them.
To freeze, place sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.
Tips and Notes
- Make them ahead of time. Assemble the sliders ahead of time, but it’s best to pour the butter mixture over the top just before baking to avoid sogginess.
- Avoid soggy rolls. Layering the cheese first before the pizza sauce can act as a barrier, preventing the sauce from making the bottom bun too wet.
Easy Slider Variations
- Try other cheeses. If desired, provolone cheese or cheddar cheese can also be used.
- Use other fillings. Use your favorite pizza toppings as fillings for these rolls. Try shredded chicken, ham, spicy beef, sliced peppers, pieces of pineapple, or another classic topping.
- Gluten Free. Swap out the regular rolls for gluten-free rolls to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
While these sliders are a hit on their own, you can serve them with dips, sides, or other appetizers for a spread everyone will remember!
Try my Spicy Mayo, a bowl of marinara sauce, or even some pepperoni pizza dip to enhance every bite.
My Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, Maple Glazed Drumsticks, Air Fryer Ravioli, Bacon Wrapped Smokies, and this Pizza Toast recipe would go well together if you’re planning an appetizers-for-dinner night!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Try
Pizza Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pack dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls (ideally 12 rolls all stuck together)
- 175 grams sliced pepperoni (about 6 ounces)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 8-12 slices Mozarella cheese slices
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees, and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Without pulling the rolls apart, slice them in half (see photos or video for visuals) so that the tops and bottoms are separated.
- Place the bottom part of the rolls in the baking dish and top with half of the cheese, then add half the pepperoni. Spread the sauce and place the remaining cheese slices on top of the sauce. Top with the remaining pepperoni and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Top with top buns.
- Combine melted butter, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and oregano and pour over rolls, using a pastry brush to brush evenly over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Uncover and bake for 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are slightly toasted.
- Serve.
Notes
- Most of these ingredients can be adapted to your tastes: you can use whole wheat buns instead of white or Hawaiian, you can swap the cheese for your favorite kind, or you can use turkey pepperoni. Feel free to experiment!
- Add veggies: you can add loads of vegetables here! Just be sure to cook firm veggies first. Sauteed mushrooms or peppers would be great, or a layer of fresh spinach. You can even add a layer of olives or hot pickled peppers top of the pepperoni.
- Store: Leftover pepperoni pizza sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the rolls might not retain their crispy texture.
- Freeze: You can make the pizza sliders ahead of time and freeze them, but I’d recommend freezing them before baking them. To freeze, place sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.
Nutrition Information
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