Whether you're hosting game day, planning a casual get-together, or just looking for a fun family dinner that will please even the pickiest eaters, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The best part? They come together in just minutes of prep time, leaving you more time to enjoy with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
<h2>Why I Love These</h2>
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<p>These sliders transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary crowd-pleaser that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.</p>
<p>The combination of soft, slightly sweet rolls with savory pizza toppings creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.</p>
<p>I make these whenever I need a guaranteed hit for potlucks, game days, or when the kids have friends over for a quick and satisfying meal.</p>
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<h2>Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hawaiian sweet rolls</li>
<li>Marinara sauce</li>
<li>Mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>Pepperoni slices</li>
<li>Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>Butter</li>
<li>Garlic powder</li>
<li>Italian seasoning</li>
<li>Red pepper flakes</li>
<li>Fresh parsley</li>
</ul>
<h2>How To Make</h2>
<ol>
<li>Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally using a long serrated knife, creating one connected top and bottom piece.</li>
<li>Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the rolls, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent spillover.</li>
<li>Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire surface. Add the remaining mozzarella on top of the pepperoni and sprinkle with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese.</li>
<li>In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds). Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This creates your flavor-packed butter topping.</li>
<li>Place the top half of the rolls over the pepperoni and cheese layer. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, making sure to get the edges and corners. The butter will seep into the bread and create a golden, flavorful crust.</li>
<li>Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting along the roll seams with a sharp knife. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Nutrition</h2>
<p>These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the rolls, protein from the cheese and pepperoni, making them a satisfying option for a meal when paired with a side salad or vegetable dish.</p>
<p>While indulgent, you can lighten these sliders by using turkey pepperoni, part-skim mozzarella, and a lighter hand with the butter topping. For added nutrition, consider tucking in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers between the cheese layers.</p>
<p>These sliders contain gluten, dairy, and potentially other allergens depending on the specific brands used. For a dairy-sensitive version, dairy-free cheese alternatives can work well, though they may not melt quite the same way as traditional mozzarella.</p>
<h2>Tips & Variations</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated; just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.</li>
<li>Try a supreme pizza variation by adding thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, and cooked Italian sausage crumbles between the cheese layers.</li>
<li>For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls, but be aware they may not hold together as well, so serve them individually rather than as pull-apart sliders.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Ways To Serve Them</h2>
<ul>
<li>Alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal</li>
<li>With a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping</li>
<li>Paired with vegetable crudités and ranch dressing for a party spread</li>
<li>Serve with a side of garlic parmesan potato wedges and some pickled vegetables for a pub-style meal</li>
</ul>
<h2>Proper Storage</h2>
<ul>
<li>Fridge: Allow sliders to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.</li>
<li>Freezer: These sliders freeze surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.</li>
<li>Reheat: For best results, reheat refrigerated sliders in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls tough and soggy.</li>
</ul>
Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian dinner rolls
- ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2.5 ounces mini pepperoni
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian dinner rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping all the rolls connected. You'll end up with one slab of tops and one slab of bottoms. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the bottom half of the rolls, going all the way to the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) over the sauce layer, distributing it evenly.
- Arrange the mini pepperoni evenly over the first layer of cheese, slightly overlapping them to ensure every bite gets some pepperoni flavor. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni to help hold everything together.
- Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the filling, matching it up with the bottom half so the individual rolls line up properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Some of the mixture will drip down the sides, which will add flavor and help crisp the edges.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn't touch the tops of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil prevents the tops from burning while allowing the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the sliders easier to cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the seams of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 443 kcal