Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Picture this: pillowy slider rolls brushed with garlic butter, stuffed with melty mozzarella, rich marinara, and layers of crispy pepperoni, then baked to perfection with a cheesy golden crust. They’re handheld, no-fork-required, and absolutely irresistible.

These are inspired by those pizza nights where you want something a little different but still totally comforting. I made them once for a family movie night, and they’ve been requested on repeat ever since. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes—no rolling dough or delivery required.

Why You’ll Love These

• Fast & easy – Ready in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients
• Kid- and adult-approved – Everyone loves pizza in slider form
• Perfect for parties or snacks – Make a whole tray with zero stress
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or swap in your go-to cheeses
• Crowd-pleaser – They’re cheesy, savory, and super satisfying

Prep Time and Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per slider: ~230
Carbs: 18g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 9g

Ingredients

• 12-pack slider rolls (like Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)
• ¾ cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24–30 slices pepperoni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease or line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Rolls

• Use a serrated knife to slice the entire sheet of slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected.
• Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

3. Assemble the Sliders

• Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom rolls.
• Layer with half of the mozzarella, followed by a layer of pepperoni slices.
• Add the remaining mozzarella, and top with the remaining ¼ cup of sauce (you can drizzle or dot it across the top).
• Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.

4. Make the Garlic Butter

• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the garlic butter mixture.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using.

5. Bake

• Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Slice & Serve

• Let sliders cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut into individual sandwiches.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
• Serve with extra marinara for dipping!

How to Serve

• With dipping sauces – Extra marinara, ranch, or garlic butter
• As a game day snack – Serve alongside wings, chips, and a salad
• For lunch or dinner – Pair with a Caesar salad or roasted veggies
• Kid-friendly dinner night – Serve with apple slices or carrot sticks

Tips for the Best Pizza Sliders

1. Use soft rolls – Hawaiian rolls are sweet and tender, perfect for this recipe.
2. Don’t overdo the sauce – Too much can make the sliders soggy.
3. Use pre-shredded cheese carefully – It can be less melty; fresh mozzarella or low-moisture works best.
4. Press down gently before baking – This helps everything melt together.
5. Cover while baking – Keeps the tops soft and prevents over-browning.

Variations

• Meat Lovers – Add cooked sausage, ham, or crumbled beef along with the pepperoni
• Veggie Supreme – Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or olives
• Spicy Kick – Use hot soppressata or spicy pepperoni, and add red pepper flakes
• White Pizza – Swap marinara for garlic alfredo or ricotta and skip the tomato sauce
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free slider rolls or mini buns

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Store Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
• Freeze: Wrap individual sliders in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use pizza dough instead of rolls?
These are designed for sliders, but if you want more of a calzone style, pizza dough can work—just roll it out and fill, then bake sealed.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes—work in batches and reduce baking time to about 5–7 minutes at 350°F.

Do I have to use marinara sauce?
Nope! Pizza sauce, garlic butter, or even pesto can work for different flavor twists.

What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or a pizza blend are great choices too.

Conclusion

These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are cheesy, melty, buttery, and completely irresistible. They’re the perfect mix of pizza-night flavors and slider convenience—great for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something fun and satisfying.

Serve them hot and gooey with your favorite dipping sauce, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

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