Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the ultimate finger food, combining the delicious flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the convenience of easy-to-eat sliders. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, these sliders feature gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a buttery garlic topping on soft rolls. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to making these irresistible sliders from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally so that you have a top and bottom half, but keep them connected as a single piece.

Step 2: Set Up the Bottom Layer

1. Place Bottom Rolls in the Baking Dish: Lay the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish, making sure they fit snugly.
2. Spread Pizza Sauce: Spoon a thin layer of pizza sauce over the bottom layer of rolls. Make sure each roll gets an even amount of sauce for consistent flavor.

Assembling the Sliders

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni

1. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle or layer half of the mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
2. Place Pepperoni Slices: Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can overlap slightly to cover each roll.
3. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.

Adding Toppings and Baking

Step 4: Top with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan

1. Sprinkle Italian Seasoning: Add a dash of Italian seasoning over the cheese and pepperoni for an authentic pizza flavor.
2. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the layers for extra cheesiness.

Step 5: Place the Top Layer of Rolls

1. Add the Top Half of Rolls: Carefully place the top layer of rolls over the assembled sliders.

Step 6: Make and Add Garlic Butter

1. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. Brush the Rolls: Use a basting brush to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Be generous with the butter for extra flavor.

Baking the Sliders

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Melted

1. Cover with Foil: For softer rolls, cover the dish with foil during baking. This will help the cheese melt evenly without over-browning the tops.
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
3. Remove Foil and Finish Baking: For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Let Cool Slightly Before Serving

Allow the sliders to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Slice and Serve: Use a spatula to cut and lift each slider from the baking dish. Serve warm.
2. Optional Dipping Sauce: Provide extra pizza sauce, marinara, or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Sliders: Swap pepperoni for sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie option.
2. Add More Toppings: Try adding sliced olives, diced onions, or cooked sausage for a more loaded pizza experience.
3. Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with a mix of cheddar and provolone for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

1. Use Hawaiian Rolls for a Sweet Contrast: The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls balances well with the savory flavors.
2. Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Keep the sauce layer thin to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
3. Brush Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter; it enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful golden finish.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the perfect fusion of pizza and slider, bringing together the best of both worlds in one easy-to-eat dish. These sliders are loaded with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and a burst of pizza flavor, making them a fun alternative to traditional pizza for parties, snacks, or dinners. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re a quick and satisfying option for any pizza lover. Enjoy these sliders with friends and family, and watch them disappear fast!

Yield: 12

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

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Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the ultimate finger food, combining the delicious flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the convenience of easy-to-eat sliders. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, these sliders feature gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a buttery garlic topping on soft rolls. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to making these irresistible sliders from scratch.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sliders:
• 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni, cut into smaller pieces)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Garlic Butter Topping:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolls:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that fits the rolls snugly.
   Keeping the rolls attached, slice them horizontally in half to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer in the prepared baking dish.
   
2. Add Pizza Layers:
   Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the bottom layer of rolls.
   Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add the mini pepperoni slices. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
   
3. Top with the Other Half:
   Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese and pepperoni layer.
   
4. Prepare and Brush with Garlic Butter:
   In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Brush this garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
   
5. Bake the Sliders:
   Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
   
6. Serve:
   Let cool for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders. Serve warm.

Notes

Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add other pizza toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms inside the sliders.

Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.