Pizza Sliders Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the ultimate 5-ingredient party appetizer. They combine the classic flavors of pizza with the fun, shareable format of pull-apart sliders, making them perfect for game day, potlucks, or a quick family dinner. For more crowd-pleasing ideas, try this Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups Recipe or these Italian Grinder Sliders Recipe.

Ingredients

These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, promising the gooey, savory, and buttery flavors of your favorite pizza in every bite.

• 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided (1 cup + 1¼ cups)
• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• 20 slices deli style dry cured pepperoni
• ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This 25-minute total is about 20% faster than similar recipes that require separate dough preparation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Gather your slider buns, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2 — Assemble the Slider Base

Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire package of slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the buns in your prepared baking dish. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the bottom buns, ensuring you cover the edges.

Step 3 — Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, arrange your pepperoni slices in a single, even layer to cover the cheese. For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan at this stage.

Step 4 — Top and Butter

Place the top halves of the buns over the filled base. In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder and a half teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Brush this seasoned butter mixture generously over the tops of all the buns.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown and crisp.

Step 6 — Serve Warm

Let the pepperoni pizza sliders cool for 2-3 minutes after removing them from the oven. Use a sharp knife to slice between the buns into individual sliders. Serve immediately while warm and gooey for the best pull-apart experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~12 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~13 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~680 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size; values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Swap: Turkey Pepperoni — This simple switch offers a leaner option with a similar spicy, savory flavor, making your pizza sliders pull-apart just as delicious.
• Lower-Carb Base: Mini Bell Peppers — Halve and fill mini bell peppers for a colorful, veggie-forward version that cuts carbs while adding a sweet crunch.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Use a high-quality plant-based mozzarella shred to create melty, dairy-free pizza sliders that are simple to assemble in 10 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Rolls — Opt for your favorite gluten-free slider buns or rolls to make this recipe accessible without sacrificing the classic pull-apart fun.
• Low-Sodium Sauce — Choose a no-salt-added marinara or make your own to control sodium levels, letting the pepperoni and herbs shine.
• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Add a layer of seasoned, cooked ground poultry for extra protein and a heartier texture in your sliders.
• Veggie-Packed Version — Incorporate finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers into the cheese layer for added nutrients and flavor.
• Whole-Wheat or Cauliflower Slider Buns — For more fiber or fewer carbs, these bun alternatives keep your pepperoni pizza sliders satisfying and easy to customize.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Serve them as the star appetizer at game-day parties, movie nights, or casual family gatherings where a crowd-pleasing, shareable snack is essential.
• For a fun brunch or lunch twist, offer these Pizza Sliders alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, veggie sticks with ranch, and fruit skewers.
• Transform them into a main course by plating two or three sliders per person with a side of garlic butter pasta or seasoned potato wedges.
• For a kid-friendly birthday party, cut the assembled Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Pull-Apart into individual squares before baking for easy, mess-free handling by little guests.
• Elevate your presentation by serving the warm, pull-apart loaf on a wooden cutting board or a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and a side bowl of warm marinara or ranch for dipping.
• Make it a DIY pizza bar by setting out the baked sliders with small bowls of additional toppings like sliced olives, jalapeños, and extra shredded cheese for guests to customize their portions.

Because these Pizza Sliders are simple to assemble in 10 minutes, they are incredibly versatile for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold, hard slider buns that tear. Fix: Let the buns sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing to ensure they are pliable and won’t crack.
• Mistake: Overloading with sauce, making the buns soggy. Fix: Use a light, even layer of sauce—about 1 tablespoon per slider—or use a thicker pizza sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Mistake: Skipping the butter wash, resulting in a dry top. Fix: Always brush the tops generously with melted butter mixed with garlic and Italian seasoning for a golden, flavorful crust.
• Mistake: Not sealing the sliders properly, causing cheese to leak out. Fix: Press the assembled top and bottom halves together firmly before the final butter wash and baking.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt well. Fix: Opt for fresh, block mozzarella or provolone that you shred yourself for superior melt and stretch.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, burning the tops before the cheese melts. Fix: Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover for 5–10 minutes to finish.
• Mistake: Cutting sliders apart immediately after baking, which causes a messy pull-apart. Fix: Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking; this allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner serving.
• Mistake: Forgetting to add a flavor boost to the butter topping. Fix: Infuse the melted butter with minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
• Mistake: Using only pepperoni, which can make the flavor one-dimensional. Fix: Layer in a few slices of ham or add a sprinkle of chopped bell peppers or olives for more complex flavor.
• Mistake: Not checking oven hot spots, leading to uneven browning. Fix: Rotate the baking dish halfway through the uncovered baking time to ensure even color on all the sliders.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool sliders completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the entire pan or individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes. Microwave individual sliders for 30-60 seconds if needed.

Letting your Pepperoni Pizza Sliders cool before storing prevents sogginess. For food safety, always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the ultimate easy, shareable appetizer or meal. If you love this simple pull-apart concept, you might also enjoy our Italian Grinder Sliders Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Print

Pizza Sliders

Print Recipe

• Author: Dorothy Miler

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
• 2½ cup shredded mozzarella (divided 1 cup and 1 ¼ cup)
• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• 20 slices deli style dry cured pepperoni
• ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter (melted)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375*. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
2. Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice the rolls in ½, horizontally.
3. Remove the top row of the connected buns, and carefully set it aside.
4. Place the bottom row of connected buns in the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella on top of the bottom buns.
6. Spread the pizza sauce over the mozzarella.
7. Layer 5 rows of 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the pizza sauce.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top of the pepperoni.
9. Lay the top row of connected buns on top of the shredded mozzarella.
10. Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the buns.
11. Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the melted butter.
12. Sprinkle the teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning on top of the grated parmesan.
13. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully slice the rows to release the individual slider sandwiches . Serve while hot.

FAQs

Can I make these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You can use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns. The key is using a connected roll sheet so the Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Pull-Apart or Pizza Sliders are simple to assemble in 10 minutes and bake as one easy-to-serve piece.

How do I store and reheat leftover sliders?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.