Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders

Imagine the savory taste of roasted garlic combined with the gooey goodness of pizza dip, all nestled in a soft, pull-apart slider bun. Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders are a mouthwatering treat that combines all the best elements of your favorite comfort foods. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

What are Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders?

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders are small, easy-to-eat sandwiches filled with a delicious roasted garlic pizza dip. These sliders are baked until the buns are golden and crispy on the outside, and the cheesy, garlicky filling is hot and melty on the inside. They’re designed to be shared, making them perfect for any gathering.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
4. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.

Prepping the Dough

1. If you’re making your own slider buns, prepare the dough according to your recipe.
2. Allow the dough to rise and shape into small buns.
3. Bake according to the recipe instructions and let cool.

Making the Garlic Pizza Dip

Roasting the Garlic

1. Once the garlic is roasted, allow it to cool slightly.
2. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl.

Mixing the Dip

1. Add the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce to the bowl with the roasted garlic.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.

Assembling the Sliders

Preparing the Slider Buns

1. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
2. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Layering the Dip

1. Spread the garlic pizza dip mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
2. Place the top halves of the buns over the dip.

Baking the Sliders

Setting Up the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Baking Instructions

1. Brush the tops of the sliders with melted butter.
2. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and chopped parsley (if using).
3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.

Tips for the Best Sliders

Achieving the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture

• Ensure the buns are slightly toasted on the outside but soft on the inside.
• Do not overfill the sliders to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Use high-quality cheeses and marinara sauce for the best taste.
• Add red pepper flakes or sliced pepperoni for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free slider buns available at most grocery stores.

Vegan Version

• Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives.
• Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Low-Carb Version

• Replace slider buns with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower bread or lettuce wraps.

Serving Suggestions

Best Pairings

• Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Presentation Ideas

• Arrange the sliders on a large serving platter.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

• Each slider has approximately 200-250 calories.
• Includes fats from cheese, carbohydrates from buns, and protein.

Nutrient Highlights

• High in calcium and protein from the cheese.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Sliders

• Avoid adding too much filling to prevent the sliders from becoming soggy and difficult to eat.

Undercooking the Garlic

• Ensure the garlic is fully roasted to achieve the best flavor and texture.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

What Type of Cheese is Best?

A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.

How Do I Prevent Soggy Sliders?

Make sure not to overfill the sliders and bake them until the tops are golden and crispy.

Can I Freeze These Sliders?

It’s not recommended to freeze these sliders as the texture of the bread and cheese can be affected. However, you can freeze the garlic pizza dip separately and assemble the sliders fresh when ready to eat.

Are There Healthier Alternatives?

You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat cheese and whole grain slider buns.

Conclusion

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders are a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the best of garlic bread, pizza, and sliders into one amazing dish. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any gathering. Give this recipe a try and watch your guests come back for more!

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made pizza dough for the buns?
   • Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough shaped into small buns as a convenient alternative.
2. What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
   • You can use pizza sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce.
3. Is there a way to make these sliders spicy?
   • Add red pepper flakes to the garlic pizza dip mixture or top the sliders with sliced jalapeños.
4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
   • Fresh roasted garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the dip mixture.
5. How can I add more veggies to the sliders?
   • Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the garlic pizza dip mixture for extra veggies.
     Yield: 12 sliders

     Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders

     

     Print

     Imagine the savory taste of roasted garlic combined with the gooey goodness of pizza dip, all nestled in a soft, pull-apart slider bun. Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders are a mouthwatering treat that combines all the best elements of your favorite comfort foods. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

     Prep Time 15 minutes

     Cook Time 1 hour

     Ingredients

     • 1 head garlic
     • extra virgin olive oil
     • 1 (12-count) package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
     • 1 – 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
     • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
     • 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
     • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
     • 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
     • 3 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature or melted
     • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
     • 2 teaspoons dried basil
     • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
     • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
     • 1 pinch chili flakes

     Instructions

     1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.

     2. Slice off the top portion of the garlic head to expose some of the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap it up, and bake for 40-55 minutes, until deeply golden and very soft.

     3. Meanwhile, place the bottom half of the dinner rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, provolone, and then pepperoni. Sprinkle with half the parmesan. Place the top half of the roll over the cheese. 

     4. Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves out into a bowl. Add the butter, remaining parmesan, sage, basil, oregano, parsley, and chili flakes. Mash the cloves into the butter with a fork. Spread the butter over the top of the rolls. Cover the rolls and bake 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking another 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

     5. Brush with any remaining garlic butter, serve immediately.