There’s something about a cozy gathering with friends and family that just screams for finger foods, doesn’t it? One of my all-time favorite crowd-pleasers is these delightful Pizza Sliders. Think of them as a love letter to all things pizza, neatly tucked between the softest Hawaiian rolls. Honestly, they’re like portable pizzas that bring all the joy with none of the guilt—perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in with Netflix.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy slider, the savory aroma of pepperoni and melted mozzarella dancing with the tangy notes of pizza sauce. That’s what you’ll experience when you whip up this magical dish. It’s simple yet so satisfying—a combination that strikes the perfect balance for seasoned chefs and kitchen novices alike.
The real charm of these sliders is their versatility. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes! Plus, they’re incredibly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sautéed peppers or olives to the mix. You can even switch out the pepperoni for crispy bacon or a zesty Italian sausage! As they bake, the cheese bubbles and melds together, creating an inviting aroma that will have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Trust me; you’ll be the star of your next get-together.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk about the key players in this delightful dish:
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Hawaiian Rolls: These pillowy gems are the perfect vessel for your fillings, offering a hint of sweetness that complements the savory toppings beautifully.
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Pepperoni Slices: The ever-popular choice for pizza toppings. You can use classic pepperoni or opt for turkey pepperoni if you’re looking for a lighter option.
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Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate melter! Fresh mozzarella will provide a creamy texture, while shredded mozzarella works just as well for that oozy pull we all crave.
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Pizza Sauce: This is your flavor base. Choose a jarred variety for convenience or make your own for that fresh touch. You could even spice things up with a spritz of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
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Olive Oil: A touch of this magic oil brushed on top brings a nice golden finish while keeping everything moist and delicious.
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Italian Seasoning: This is where the flavor hits a peak! A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme packages a ton of flavor into every single bite.
Preparing Pizza Sliders
Ready to get your hands a little dirty? Here’s how we make these delicious sliders come to life:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take those Hawaiian rolls and slice them right through the middle. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Generously spread a layer of pizza sauce over the cut sides of the rolls. Don’t be shy—this is where all the magic begins!
- Layer on the pepperoni slices, followed by a heaping portion of mozzarella cheese.
- For a flourish, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese like a pro—this will bring everything together with an herbal kick.
- Place the top halves of the rolls back over the glorious fillings you just created.
- Drizzle a little olive oil atop those rolls, giving them a lovely sheen.
- Slide the whole ensemble into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch as that cheese gets bubbly and golden—it’s a sight to behold!
- Finally, remove them from the oven, serve warm, and watch everyone dive in.
Best way to enjoy it
These sliders shine on their own, but how about pairing them with something delightful? A fresh side salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, or perhaps some crispy potato wedges for that classic pizza joint experience. You can even offer a side of marinara for dipping—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a little extra sauce?
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any sliders left (a big if!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Want to freeze? Wrap them individually in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just remember to defrost in the fridge before reheating!
Helpful cooking tips
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Make it your own: Don’t hesitate to customize your toppings! Try adding bell peppers, onions, or even fresh basil for a fresh twist.
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Cheese lovers’ delight: Mix in different cheeses like fontina or cheddar for new flavor dimensions.
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Shortcuts: Use store-bought pizza sauce or even pesto to save time!
Creative Twists
Feel free to get your creative juices flowing! What about a BBQ chicken version with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese? Or perhaps a vegetarian option with mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta? The sky’s the limit! You could even switch up the rolls—pretzel rolls would give a delightful twist!
Ingredients list
- Hawaiian rolls
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread pizza sauce on the roll bottoms.
- Add pepperoni slices on top, followed by a mound of mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm and savor every bite!
Common questions
- How long does prep take? About 10 minutes. Super quick!
- Can I use a different kind of cheese? Of course! Cheddar or provolone work beautifully.
- What’s a great side dish? A crisp salad or some cheesy garlic bread!
- How do I freeze them? Wrap them in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to a month.
- Can I make them ahead? Yes, assemble them, cover, refrigerate, and just bake when you’re ready!
Pizza sliders are the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, delicious to enjoy, and perfect for any gathering. So why not roll up your sleeves and dive into this tasty adventure? I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking, friend!
Pizza Sliders
Description
These Pizza Sliders are a warm and cheesy delight, packed with pepperoni and mozzarella, all tucked between sweet Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. -
Add Pizza Sauce
Spread pizza sauce on the roll bottoms generously. -
Layer Ingredients
Add pepperoni slices on top, followed by a mound of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for flavor. -
Top the Sliders
Place the top halves of the rolls back on. -
Brush with Olive Oil
Brush the tops with olive oil. -
Bake
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. -
Serve
Serve warm and savor every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
