This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Pizza Sliders have all the classic pizza flavors in a warm, pull-apart bite. Toasted rolls, gooey mozzarella, salty pepperoni, and marinara sauce come together in a snack that’s perfect for sharing. And, the best part? I can throw these together in just minutes!
I’m a BIG fan of pizza. So, I’ve made a lot of twists on those same cheesy, saucy, savory elements that are basically unbeatable. And, this pizza sliders recipe joins a long list of others, like my pepperoni pizza dip, that all use the same mindset. They’re a super easy and fast way to enjoy an irresistible pizza experience without the wait or cost of delivery.
Pizza Sliders
My crew goes crazy over a good lineup with all the best appetizers and dips. So, I’ve developed a lot of recipes like these sliders that I can throw together with minimal effort. I’ve been taking these sliders to gatherings with friends for years, now. And, you’d be amazed at how fast they disappear.
I love that it’s a versatile solution, too. You can use whatever toppings you like on your pizza. I love this classic pepperoni and cheese combo. But, these toasted Hawaiian rolls can handle whatever you throw at them!
We’ve been making these for over a year now. My youngest son requests them at least once a month and they’re so easy to make he usually assembles them himself. (Total win!)
Ingredients and Substitutions
The Rolls – I use Hawaiian rolls because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and hold together perfectly when sliced as a slab.
Marinara – A simple marinara is my choice for the sauce. But, you can use a store bought pizza sauce, too.
Cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella is my go-to because it melts smoothly and gives you that classic pizza stretch.
Toppings – I adore the simplicity of pepperonis in these pizza sliders. But, you can absolutely swap in the toppings you prefer.
Butter and Herbs – I brush the tops with melted butter mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano. This adds more flavors, and makes the rolls toast beautifully.
Notes on Equipment
- Long serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Baking pan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (optional)
How to Make Pizza Sliders
Preheating the Oven: I preheat the oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when the sliders are.
Prepping the Rolls: Keeping the rolls attached, I use a long serrated knife to slice them horizontally. This gives me two clean slabs, which makes assembling everything faster.
Adding the Layers: Setting the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet, I spread a layer of marinara evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. After that, I sprinkle half the cheese, then add a layer of pepperoni before finishing with the rest of the cheese.
Prepping the Butter: Place the butter in a microwave safe bowl, and pop it into the microwave for 30 seconds. Then, just whisk in the parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
Finishing the Sliders: Placing the top half of the rolls on the sliders, I drizzle the butter mixture over the top. Then, I spread it out with a pastry brush.
Baking: You’ll want to bake the sliders about 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and tops are gently toasted. Serve them warm!
Expert Tip
The trickiest part of pizza sliders is balancing enough sauce and cheese without soaking the rolls. They should be toasted and fluffy. The key is to go easy on the sauce. I spread mine in a thin layer, stopping just short of the edges. With pepperoni this is less of an issue, but especially if you swap for other toppings, be sure to keep an eye on their moisture content.
Tent with Foil – If the tops start browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the sliders with foil. This lets them keep baking without burning the bread.
Shred It Fresh – I cannot tell you how much more easily freshly shredded cheese will melt. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s hard to go back. And, especially with a barrel grater, the effort involved is fairly minimal.
Pepperoni Placement – Be sure to slightly overlap the pepperoni when placing them. This helps to make sure you get great coverage in every slider.
Wait to Slice – Letting the sliders sit for a minute makes it much easier to slice them cleanly. The cheese will still be perfectly melty.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these pizza sliders with something fresh and crunchy. An apple pecan and feta salad or broccoli cranberry salad works especially well, adding a little sweetness. It makes the whole spread feel complete.
For larger gatherings, I like to add more comfort food to the lineup. Usually, this means throwing together a lasagna dip or layered taco dip. And, I like to finish things off with a batch of this irresistible cherry fluff.
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: These sliders are best fresh, but you can prep the components in advance. I measure out the toppings earlier in the day to make the assembly quicker, especially when I’m feeding a crowd.
How to Store: These keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
How to Reheat: For the best texture, I reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. This helps to keep the bread toasty.
More Pizza Shortcuts Recipes
- Pepperoni Pizza Rolls.
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- French Bread Pizza
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
- Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping the rolls together does a lot to prevent this from happening. But, I use a light hand with the marinara, and spread the butter out evenly across the tops.
Generally speaking, no. You’ll want to make sure that the toppings are already cooked and not too bulky. And, try to avoid anything that will release too much moisture.
Now, you’re talking! You can add more mozzarella for cheesier sliders. Just be careful not to go too crazy, or they can get a bit greasy.
Nope. You can use whatever rolls you prefer. I like using these rolls because they come in one giant sheet, which makes assembly a breeze.
Pizza Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian Rolls 1 dozen, don’t separate the rolls
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 3 ounces pepperoni add more or less to your preference
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Leaving the buns attached together, slice them open with a long knife. You should have two rectangle sheets, the top and bottom half.
- Place the bottom half on a baking pan with edges. Spread on the marinara sauce on the bottom layer of buns, layer on the pepperoni, shredded cheese, and any other topping you prefer. Replace the top layer of buns.
- Melt the butter and stir in the Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano. Pour the butter and cheese mixture over the top of the buns.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted. If the tops brown before they are ready cover lightly with aluminum foil and continue to bake.
- Remove from the oven. Slice the rolls apart and serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 3/8/18 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/3/26}
gently adapted from Little Dairy on the Prairie’s Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
We’ve been making these for over a year now. My youngest son requests them at least once a month and they’re so easy to make he usually assembles them himself. (Total win!)
I’m so glad you like the sliders, Mandi!