Pizza Sliders

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When I first tried making these Pizza Sliders, I wasn’t expecting them to become such a staple in my kitchen. But the combination of soft, buttery rolls layered with marinara, gooey melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni had everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). They’re the kind of thing you throw together quickly and end up stealing the show—perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even just a comfort-packed weeknight dinner.

What I love most is how customizable these sliders are. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, you can tweak the fillings and toppings to suit just about any craving. Plus, they reheat beautifully, which makes them a solid choice for leftovers—if you manage to have any!

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Sliders

Pizza sliders bring together the best parts of pizza and sandwiches: cheesy, saucy, savory goodness, all in one hand-held bite. They’re easy to assemble, quick to bake, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy family dinner, these sliders hit all the right notes—crispy edges, melty centers, and a burst of flavor in every bite.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Soft Hawaiian rolls or any slider buns work great for this recipe. Their slight sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory pizza toppings, and they bake up with a slightly crisp edge while staying soft in the middle. If you prefer something more neutral, brioche slider rolls or even small dinner rolls will do the trick.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t have pepperoni? Try cooked sausage crumbles, shredded rotisserie chicken, or just keep it vegetarian with mushrooms and bell peppers. For cheese, mozzarella is a classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack can mix things up. Gluten-free or keto-friendly buns can be used for dietary needs, and you can swap marinara for pesto or garlic butter for a totally different flavor profile.

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Ingredients for This Pizza Sliders Recipe

Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls – These act as the base and hold everything together. Their soft, fluffy texture pairs perfectly with melty cheese and sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese – Essential for that irresistible stretch and creamy melt. You can use pre-shredded or fresh, sliced mozzarella.

Pepperoni Slices – Classic pizza flavor with a spicy, savory kick. Feel free to use turkey pepperoni or your favorite deli meats instead.

Marinara Sauce – Brings in the familiar tomato flavor. Go for a thick, flavorful sauce to avoid soggy buns.

Butter – Brushed on top of the buns before baking to help them crisp and brown perfectly.

Italian Seasoning – Sprinkled on top for a herby aroma and an extra layer of flavor.

Grated Parmesan Cheese – Optional but recommended for a cheesy, umami boost on top.

Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle garlicky warmth to the buttery topping.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the individual rolls, slice the whole slab of buns horizontally. This creates a top and bottom half like a sandwich.

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Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer

Place the bottom half of the buns into the baking dish. Spread an even layer of marinara sauce across the surface.

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Step 4: Add the Fillings

Layer on the pepperoni slices, ensuring full coverage. Then add a generous amount of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese over the top.

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Step 5: Top it Off

Place the top half of the buns back over the fillings. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with some extra marinara on the side for dipping.

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How Long to Prepare the Pizza Sliders

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10 to 15 minutes to prep everything. That includes slicing the buns, layering your sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and brushing the buttery topping.

Cooking Time: Baking takes around 20 to 25 minutes total. The first part is covered to ensure everything heats evenly and melts, followed by a few minutes uncovered to toast the tops. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30–40 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Pizza Sliders

• Use thick marinara to avoid soggy buns—thin sauces tend to soak right through.
• Don’t overstuff. Too much filling can make them fall apart when serving.
• Brush the butter topping while the sliders are hot if you want a richer flavor soak.
• Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly without tearing the buns.
• Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using wet ingredients: If your sauce or veggies are too watery, the sliders will be soggy.
• Skipping the foil: Not covering them during the first bake can dry them out.
• Overbaking: Once uncovered, keep a close eye to avoid burning the tops.
• Cheese overload: It’s tempting, but too much cheese can cause an uneven melt or overflow.
• Not greasing the pan: These can stick if you skip this simple step.

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What to Serve With Pizza Sliders?

1. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance the richness of the sliders.

2. Garlic Parmesan Fries

They echo the flavors of the sliders while adding a crunchy contrast.

3. Roasted Veggies

A healthier side to bring balance—try zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.

4. Mozzarella Sticks

Double the cheese, double the fun. Serve with extra marinara for dipping.

5. Sparkling Lemonade or Italian Soda

A refreshing drink that cuts through the savory richness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture—microwaving can make them soggy.

Freezing: You can freeze fully assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble everything a few hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slider (based on 12 sliders total):

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to reheat Pizza Sliders?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. This keeps them crisp.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach.

Can I use different sauces?

Yes—pesto, Alfredo, or even BBQ sauce can be fun twists depending on your fillings.

How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?

Use a thick sauce, avoid watery veggies, and don’t overdo the toppings. Toasting the bottoms slightly before assembling can also help.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or two pans and assemble in batches.

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Conclusion

Pizza Sliders are the kind of dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum payoff. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making them a reliable go-to whether you’re feeding a party or just spicing up a weeknight dinner. Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a permanent part of your food rotation.

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