Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders

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Craving something cheesy, saucy, and bite-sized for your next party or game day? These Pizza Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine layers of pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls, baked until gooey and golden. It’s everything you love about pizza but transformed into a handheld, pull-apart slider that disappears fast!

Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders come together with minimal prep and major flavor. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite pizza toppings or sauces. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy movie night at home, Pizza Sliders will definitely steal the show.


What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Pizza Sliders?

Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are the go-to choice for these sliders. They toast beautifully in the oven and their pillowy texture pairs perfectly with the savory pizza fillings. You can also use brioche buns or any dinner rolls that bake up golden and fluffy. Just make sure they’re connected so you can slice them horizontally as one piece, making layering and assembling much easier.


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Ingredients for the Pizza Sliders

Hawaiian Rolls
These soft rolls hold everything together while adding a slightly sweet base that complements the salty cheese and pepperoni.

Pepperoni Slices
Classic, bold flavor and a must-have in pizza sliders. You can also swap in turkey pepperoni or go meatless with veggies.

Mozzarella Cheese
The melt factor here is everything. Mozzarella delivers that stretchy, gooey goodness we all love in pizza.

Marinara Sauce
A few spoonfuls of marinara sauce bring in that essential pizza tang. Choose your favorite jarred version or homemade sauce.

Butter
Brushed on top for a rich, golden finish that makes the tops of the rolls irresistible.

Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning
These spices give the sliders their signature pizzeria aroma and taste.

Grated Parmesan (optional)
Adds a salty, nutty finish to the buttery topping and amps up the flavor.


How To Make the Pizza Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Spread an even layer of marinara sauce over the bottom halves of the rolls. Be generous, but don’t overdo it—you don’t want the bread to get soggy.

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

Add a thick layer of mozzarella cheese over the marinara. Then, layer on the pepperoni slices. If you want to add other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives, now’s the time.

Step 4: Top with More Cheese

Sprinkle another light layer of mozzarella over the toppings for extra gooeyness. Then place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl, then stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve while warm. They pull apart perfectly and are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.


How to Serve and Store Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders are best served warm, right out of the oven when the cheese is still melty and the tops are crisped to golden perfection. They make the ultimate game day snack, casual dinner, or party appetizer. Pair them with extra marinara sauce for dipping, a crisp Caesar salad, or even garlic knots to round out the pizza-night vibe.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. This helps maintain the crispness of the rolls better than microwaving.


Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Brioche rolls, potato rolls, or even dinner rolls work well. Just make sure they’re soft and connected, so you can slice them as a whole block for easy layering.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and cover tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake as directed. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

How do I prevent the bottom of the sliders from getting soggy?

Lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven for a few minutes before assembling. Also, use a moderate amount of marinara—enough for flavor, not so much that it soaks the bread.

Can I freeze Pizza Sliders?

While they’re best fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, wrap in foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or veggies. You can even use barbecue chicken or pesto for a fun twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the meat and pile on your favorite pizza-friendly veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.


Want More Cheesy Appetizer Ideas?

If these Pizza Sliders hit the spot, you’ll want to try more deliciously cheesy, pull-apart, or party-ready bites next. Here are a few fun options that bring big flavor in every bite:

Let these cheesy, saucy, and satisfying dishes inspire your next weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so it’s easy to find next time you need a crowd-pleaser.

And if you make these Pizza Sliders, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you go classic with just pepperoni, or mix things up with extra toppings? Drop a comment, ask a question, or tag me in your creations.

For more tasty inspiration, follow me on Pinterest where I share daily recipe ideas: Life with Nina on Pinterest.


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Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Pizza Sliders are everything you love about classic pepperoni pizza—cheesy, saucy, and flavorful—tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls. Baked until golden and bubbling, they’re perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day snacks. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping!


Ingredients

Scale

12 Hawaiian rolls

1 cup marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

30 pepperoni slices

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.

3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.

4. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

5. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.

6. Sprinkle a second light layer of mozzarella on top of the pepperoni.

7. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

8. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture over the top of the rolls.

9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if using.

10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

11. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

12. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm with extra marinara for dipping if desired.


Notes

Lightly toasting the bottom half of the rolls before assembling helps avoid sogginess.

You can assemble these sliders ahead and bake when ready—just cover tightly and refrigerate.

Feel free to customize with additional toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or bell peppers.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pizza sliders, pull-apart sliders, game day snacks

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