Pizza Sliders Recipe

If you’re a fan of pizza but also love finger foods, you’re going to flip for these pizza sliders. Imagine all the gooey cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce you love… but tucked neatly inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that you can pop in your mouth in one or two bites. Honestly, they’re basically pizza in slider form, and trust me, once you make them, you’ll wonder why this isn’t a thing at every party.

Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or even just a cozy weeknight treat, these sliders are fun to make and impossible to resist. Bonus? They’re ridiculously easy and come together faster than you can say “extra cheese, please!”

Recipe Origin

Pizza sliders are a playful twist on classic pizza, inspired by the need for a fun, shareable appetizer that kids and adults alike would love. The Hawaiian sweet rolls add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory, cheesy, pepperoni goodness perfectly, making these sliders a crowd favorite at parties and family dinners.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Whisk or fork
• Spoon or brush (for spreading butter mixture)
• Knife (for slicing rolls if needed)

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Why You’ll Love Pizza Sliders

These sliders are more than just a quick bite—they’re a little bundle of joy with every layer. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen:

Versatile

Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish alongside a simple salad. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive parties.

Quick and Easy

No kneading dough, no complicated steps. Layer, brush, bake, and you’re done.

Crowd-Pleasing

Cheesy, savory, and slightly sweet—these sliders are irresistible for kids and adults alike.

Customizable

Swap out pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or veggies. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.

Budget-Friendly

Made with simple, accessible ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls—they’re key for that pillowy texture.
• Layer cheese carefully to ensure gooey, even coverage.
• Brush the butter mixture generously on top for maximum flavor and a golden finish.
• Let sliders rest a few minutes after baking before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding out.

Ingredients in Pizza Sliders

Let’s break down what makes these sliders so irresistible:

Sliders

Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that balance the savory toppings perfectly.
Mozzarella & Provolone Cheese: Melty, gooey, and packed with flavor. Mix or match to your taste.
Pepperoni: The classic pizza topping that adds a bit of spice and plenty of savory goodness.
Pizza Sauce: A rich, tomatoey base that brings everything together.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds a subtle nutty flavor and extra pizzazz.

Butter Mixture

Unsalted Butter: Melted to coat the top of the sliders and help the seasonings stick.
Dried Minced Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder: Brings that unmistakable garlicky aroma we all love.
Dried Oregano & Italian Seasoning: Classic pizza flavors in one easy mix.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.

(Note: full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these cheesy bites ready to eat:

Preheat Your Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden top.

Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves together.

Layer the Sliders: Spread pizza sauce evenly on the bottom half of the rolls. Layer mozzarella and provolone slices, then arrange the pepperoni on top. Place the top half of the rolls back in place.

Mix the Butter Topping: Melt the butter and whisk in dried onion, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Brush the Top: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.

Cool Slightly & Slice: Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing into individual servings.

Serve and Enjoy: Pull apart, savor the gooey cheese, pepperoni, and soft roll combo, and watch these disappear fast.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~300 (estimate)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

How to Serve Pizza Sliders

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
• Dipping Sauces: Extra pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dunking.
• Party Style: Arrange on a platter for easy grab-and-go appetizers.
• Comfort Meal: Pair with roasted vegetables or fries for a casual dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble sliders the night before and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: Sliders freeze well before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, freeze, then bake from frozen with an extra 5–10 minutes.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Lovers: Add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Swap pepperoni for spicy salami or add crushed red pepper.
• Cheese Overload: Add extra layers of cheese or different types like cheddar or gouda.
• Mini Meat Lovers: Include cooked sausage, ham, or bacon in the layers.

Additional Tips

• Brush the butter mixture after covering with foil to keep flavors locked in.
• Use a sharp knife for slicing to avoid squishing the rolls.
• Don’t overbake—Hawaiian rolls stay soft and pillowy if you remove them as soon as the cheese melts.
• Presentation tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or oregano on top before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add roasted veggies or extra cheese.

Q2: Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian?
A2: Yes, but the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls complements the pizza flavors beautifully.

Q3: Can I prepare these in advance?
A3: Yes, assemble them the night before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze after baking?
A4: You can, but texture is best if frozen before baking.

Q5: How do I make extra cheesy sliders?
A5: Layer more slices of cheese or add shredded cheese between layers.

Q6: Can I add more toppings?
A6: Totally! Mushrooms, olives, peppers, or even cooked sausage are great options.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat?
A7: Oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes keeps them soft and melty.

Q8: Can I use a different sauce?
A8: Yes! Marinara, alfredo, or even pesto are fun variations.

Q9: How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
A9: Don’t overload with sauce, and let them cool slightly before slicing.

Q10: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or make two batches.

Conclusion

Pizza sliders are a fun, easy, and utterly delicious way to bring everyone together around the table. Gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, sweet Hawaiian rolls, and that golden butter topping—every bite is pure comfort. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a casual family dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast.

So grab your rolls, cheese, and pepperoni, and let’s make some magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you.

See how to assemble these cheesy pizza sliders step-by-step: