Pizza Sliders Recipe: The Ultimate Party Snack You’ll Crave Again and Again
If you’re anything like me, you love pizza in all forms — thin crust, deep dish, grilled, stuffed, you name it. But there’s something downright irresistible about pizza sliders. Soft, buttery rolls packed with melty cheese, pepperoni, and garlicky marinara, then baked until golden and bubbling? Yes, please.
This pizza sliders recipe is perfect for game day, movie night, or a quick weeknight dinner. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and they disappear faster than you can say “pass the ranch.”
And don’t worry — you don’t need a pizza oven or dough-making skills to pull this off. Just a baking dish, a little layering, and a whole lot of cheesy love.
Let’s dig in.
🧀 Ingredients & Measurements
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls | 12 rolls |
| Pizza sauce or marinara | 3/4 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Sliced pepperoni | 1 cup |
| Cooked sausage (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil or parsley (garnish) | As needed |
Optional add-ons: sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or black olives for veggie-packed sliders.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prep the rolls
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire set of buns horizontally. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
3. Layer the goodness
Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the bottom layer. Sprinkle on half the mozzarella, add pepperoni (or any toppings you love), then the rest of the cheese. Place the top half of the buns back on.
4. Make the garlic butter topping
Mix olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Brush this over the top of the rolls.
5. Sprinkle and bake
Top with Parmesan cheese and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
6. Cool, slice, and serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm!
🔥 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pizza Sliders
- Use quality rolls: Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are perfect. Don’t skimp on freshness.
- Pre-toast the bottoms (optional): If you want to avoid soggy bottoms, toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven for 3–5 minutes before layering.
- Make ahead: Assemble sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add a cheesy crust: Sprinkle more cheese around the edges of the baking dish for crispy cheese heaven.
- Serve with sauces: Garlic butter, ranch, or extra marinara take them over the top.
🧾 Pizza Sliders FAQ
Can I use different meats or make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap in sausage, bacon, or go meatless with mushrooms, peppers, and olives.
How do I keep sliders from getting soggy? Use less sauce or pre-toast the roll bottoms. Also, avoid overly watery toppings like tomatoes.
Can I make these in advance? Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake right before serving.
How do I reheat leftovers? Wrap in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose some crispness.
Can I freeze them? You can freeze fully baked sliders. Let cool, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why Pizza Sliders Deserve a Spot in Your Rotation
These little sandwiches pack huge pizza flavor into a handheld, mess-free form. They’re easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to spice up your pizza night, this pizza sliders recipe is a keeper.
The best part? That first bite — the way the cheese stretches, the pepperoni crisps, and the buttered bun crackles just slightly. Pure pizza bliss, bite after bite.
So grab your rolls, get layering, and let the oven work its magic.
Happy pizza making — slider-style!
See Also: Pizza Bowl Recipe – Low-Carb, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes
