Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders are a delightful twist on traditional pizza, making them perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering. These bite-sized snacks are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. With layers of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a rich sauce all enveloped in soft Hawaiian rolls, Pizza Sliders bring the joy of pizza into a new form. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These sliders come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness and fun size of these sliders, making them a hit at family events.
- Versatile: You can easily customize Pizza Sliders with your favorite toppings, such as veggies or different meats, to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 sliders in one batch, they’re great for parties, tailgates, or any occasion where you want to offer a tasty treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures makes these sliders irresistible; they’ll disappear quickly!
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Pizza Sliders, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the preparation process smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Nonstick spray
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and makes it easy to serve the sliders directly from the oven.
- Pastry brush: Using a pastry brush helps you evenly spread melted butter over the buns for added flavor and crispiness.
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
- 2½ cup shredded mozzarella (divided 1 cup and 1 ¼ cup)
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices deli style dry cured pepperoni
For Topping
- ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
How to Make Pizza Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Remove the top row of connected buns and set it aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bottom Layer
Place the bottom row of connected buns in the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Pepperoni
Spread pizza sauce over the mozzarella layer. Next, layer five rows of four slices each of pepperoni on top.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top of the pepperoni layer. Lay the top row of connected buns back on top.
Step 6: Brush with Butter
Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of the buns with melted butter. Then sprinkle grated parmesan over this layer.
Step 7: Season and Bake
Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Remove from oven and carefully slice into individual slider sandwiches. Serve while hot for best flavor!
How to Serve Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders are a fun and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s game day or a casual family gathering, these sliders can be paired with different sides or dips for an enhanced experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic choice that complements the flavors of the pizza sliders perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy touch that balances the savory elements of the sliders.
- Garlic Butter: Drizzle or dip for an extra buttery and garlicky flavor kick.
As a Party Platter
- Cut into Individual Servings: Present them on a large platter, allowing guests to grab their own slider.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
With Side Salads
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing offer a refreshing contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring a light and flavorful side to your sliders.
As Leftovers
- Reheat in Oven: For best results, warm them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
- Serve Cold: Enjoy them directly from the fridge for a quick snack option.
With Beverages
- Soda or Sparkling Water: These fizzy drinks complement the richness of pizza sliders well.
- Beer Pairing: A light lager or pale ale can enhance your game-day experience.
How to Perfect Pizza Sliders
To make sure your Pizza Sliders are always delicious, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni enhance the overall flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the sliders to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.
- Brush Generously with Butter: This step adds flavor and helps create a golden crust on top.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or olives for variety.
- Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Ovens may vary; keep an eye on your sliders during baking to avoid burning.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of great options to consider when serving them.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a crowd favorite and pair nicely with sliders.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide another hearty side option.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies with dip offer a lighter contrast to the hearty sliders.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer alongside your sliders.
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings add texture and flavor that complements pizza flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pizza Sliders can be fun and rewarding, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the butter: Not brushing melted butter on top of the buns can lead to a dry texture. Always brush for a golden finish.
- Overloading with sauce: Using too much pizza sauce can make the sliders soggy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.
- Not layering properly: Failing to layer cheese and toppings evenly may lead to some bites being bland. Make sure every slider has a taste of each ingredient.
- Baking without foil: Removing the foil too early can cause the tops of the sliders to brown too much while the insides remain cold. Bake covered for at least 20 minutes.
- Incorrect cutting technique: Cutting the rolls improperly can tear them apart. Use a sharp knife and slice gently while keeping them connected.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pizza Sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pizza Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pizza Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped sliders for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds per slider, checking until warm.
- Stovetop: Place sliders in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat slowly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pizza Sliders that might help you.
Can I use different meats in my Pizza Sliders?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite deli meats like ham or turkey for variation.
How do I make vegetarian Pizza Sliders?
You can replace pepperoni with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a delicious vegetarian option.
What type of bread works best for Pizza Sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are ideal due to their sweetness and softness, but any soft dinner roll will work well.
Can I make these Pizza Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them up to baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking them fresh.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Sliders are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients or adjust flavors based on your preference. Whether it’s game day or just a cozy night in, these sliders will surely delight everyone at your table!
Pizza Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Pizza Sliders, a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza! Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy family nights, these bite-sized treats are layered with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. With just 10 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. These sliders are easy to customize with your favorite toppings and make sharing effortless. Whether served with marinara for dipping or alongside a fresh salad, these crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices deli-style pepperoni
- ⅓ cup salted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Keeping the rolls connected, slice them in half horizontally. Remove the top layer and set aside.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls in the baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spread pizza sauce over the cheese and layer pepperoni slices on top.
- Add remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni and place the top layer of rolls back on.
- Brush melted butter on top of the buns and sprinkle with grated parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
