Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Sliders are the perfect combination of gooey, cheesy pizza and convenient, bite-sized sandwiches. Made with soft dinner rolls, melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce, these sliders are ideal for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. They come together quickly and deliver all the pizza flavors you love in a fun and shareable form.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
slider buns or Hawaiian rollsmozzarella cheeseshredded pepperonimarinara or pizza saucebuttergarlic powderItalian seasoningparmesangratedfresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected, and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom buns.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top.
Add a layer of pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
Place the top half of the buns over the fillings.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan.
Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the buns.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 sliders.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 20-22 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Use cooked sausage, bacon, or ham instead of pepperoni.
Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a supreme slider.
Use different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar.
Try BBQ sauce or Alfredo instead of marinara for a twist.
Add a layer of sliced olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for a quicker option.For best texture, reheat in the oven.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sliders and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving.
What type of rolls work best?
Soft slider buns or sweet Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe.
Can I freeze Pizza Sliders?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Are they suitable for kids?
Absolutely, kids love the mini pizza flavor and easy-to-hold size.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat or use vegetarian-friendly pizza toppings.
Do I have to use marinara sauce?
No, pizza sauce or your favorite tomato-based sauce works too.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but a mix of Italian cheeses adds depth.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes, adjust the time and temperature as needed to avoid burning the tops.
Should I toast the buns before baking?
Not necessary, but optional if you prefer a crispier texture.
How can I make them spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for extra heat.
Conclusion
Pizza Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, perfect for sharing and easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a family-friendly meal, these sliders bring all the taste of pizza in a compact, delicious package. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!
PrintPizza Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Miniature pizza-style sliders perfect for parties or an easy family meal.
Ingredients
- 12 small slider buns (dinner rolls)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 mini pepperoni slices per slider (about 24–36 total)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
- Spread about 1 heaping tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bottom bun.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Top with 2–3 mini pepperoni slices per slider, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the seasoned butter over the tops of the slider buns.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool 2–3 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead: assemble sliders and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customize toppings: swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies, or shaved ham.
- To make vegetarian, omit meat and add diced bell pepper or olives.
- For extra melty sliders, add a slice of provolone or fontina cheese.
- To freeze: bake, cool, wrap individually, and freeze; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.