Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Looking for a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s a breeze to make and disappears faster than you can imagine? Look no further than these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders! These adorable little sandwiches pack all the flavors of a classic pizza into each bite, making them a hit at kids’ birthday parties, game day gatherings, or even just a fun weeknight dinner.

Imagine Hawaiian slider buns loaded with gooey melted mozzarella, zesty marinara sauce, and savory pepperoni slices all baked to perfection with a buttery, crispy topping. These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders have become my go-to party food, earning high praises from kids and adults alike. In fact, they vanished so quickly at my last party that I had guests hunting for more before halftime!

With a simple prep-ahead option and endless customization possibilities, from veggie-loaded to meat-packed variations, these sliders are not just a convenient meal but a versatile delight. Serve them fresh from the oven with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a fun twist on pizza night, these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient party food or quick dinner option
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Customizable with various toppings for different preferences
• Easy to make ahead and reheat for later

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe Recipe

• Perfect for busy days or gatherings when you want the flavors of pizza without the fuss of making traditional pizza.
• Adorable mini sandwiches that are loved by both kids and adults, making them great for family meals or parties.
• Gooey, cheesy, and packed with pepperoni – a crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly.
• Versatile recipe with options for customization – try different toppings like veggies or sausage, or make a white pizza version.
• Make-ahead friendly – assemble in advance and bake when ready, or enjoy leftovers by reheating for a quick and tasty meal.
• Easy cleanup and minimal hands-on time, ideal for weeknights or when hosting guests.
• Pair with a simple salad or warm marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the flavors and create a well-balanced meal.
• Handheld and portable, great for lunch boxes, picnics, or any event where you want a convenient and delicious snack.
• A go-to recipe for various occasions – from classroom parties to movie nights to adult gatherings, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

For the Sliders

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended for sweet-savory flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperonis work best for even distribution)

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Slice the slider buns horizontally as one connected slab and place the bottom half in the baking dish.

Step 3: Add Fillings

Evenly spread marinara sauce on the bottom layer of buns. Layer half of the mozzarella, all the pepperoni slices, and the rest of the mozzarella. Place the top half of the buns on top of the fillings.

Step 4: Make Butter Mixture

Combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (optional) in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the bun tops.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until tops are golden and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Allow to cool for a bit, then slice into sliders and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made these delicious pepperoni pizza sliders, storing any leftovers properly will help maintain their flavor and texture. If you have extra sliders, wrap them individually in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the sliders in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. This method will help preserve the gooey, cheesy goodness of the sliders.

For those who want to plan ahead or make these sliders for a party, you can assemble everything except the butter topping, cover the sliders, and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. This make-ahead option allows you to prepare the sliders in advance and quickly add the butter mixture before baking when you’re ready to serve them. Whether you’re making these sliders for a casual family dinner, a kids’ birthday party, or a game day gathering, these storage tips will help you enjoy the flavors of mini pizza sandwiches with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have slider buns, you can substitute with dinner rolls or small sandwich buns. These can work well to hold the pizza filling and still provide a delicious taste and texture similar to the original recipe.

For a vegetarian option, you can swap out the pepperoni slices with a variety of veggies such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Sauté them beforehand to ensure they are cooked and drained well to prevent the sliders from becoming soggy. This substitution can add a flavorful and colorful twist to the dish while still maintaining the cheesy and gooey pizza essence.

If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to experiment with substitutes like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. These alternatives can bring a unique flavor profile to the sliders while still providing that ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness that makes them so irresistible. Remember to adjust the quantity based on your preference for cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your pepperoni pizza sliders into a fun and interactive party platter by arranging them in a circular shape on a large serving tray. Place a bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center for dipping, adding a touch of elegance and convenience for your guests. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness, creating a visually appealing spread that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

For a cozy family dinner, serve the pepperoni pizza sliders alongside a side of garlic butter pasta. Toss cooked pasta in garlic-infused butter, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped fresh basil. The combination of cheesy sliders and buttery pasta creates a comforting and satisfying meal that will have your loved ones coming back for more.

FAQs for Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Can I use a different type of bun for the sliders?

Absolutely! While the recipe recommends using Hawaiian rolls for their sweet-savory flavor, you can use any slider buns or small dinner rolls of your choice.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, add the butter mixture and bake as directed. This can be a great time-saving tip for party prep.

Can I customize the toppings for these sliders?

Definitely! You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Try a veggie version with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, or add a layer of cooked Italian sausage along with the pepperoni for meat lovers. You can even make a white pizza version using alfredo sauce, spinach, chicken, and mozzarella.

How should I store leftovers of the pepperoni pizza sliders?

If you have leftovers, wrap the sliders individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a kids’ birthday celebration, or just craving a quick and delicious meal, these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are sure to be a hit. The gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and buttery Hawaiian rolls come together to create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making pizza from scratch – these sliders are a simple and satisfying alternative that packs all the flavors of a classic pizza. Customize them with your favorite toppings or keep it traditional with just pepperoni and cheese. However you choose to enjoy them, these sliders are bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So why not whip up a batch of Pepperoni Pizza Sliders for your next gathering and watch them disappear before your eyes?

Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Sliders – adorable mini sandwiches bursting with gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and buttery Hawaiian rolls, perfect for parties or quick dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 sliders)

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended for sweet-savory flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperonis work best for even distribution)

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally as one connected slab and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
3. Add Fillings: Evenly spread marinara sauce on the bottom layer of buns. Layer half of the mozzarella, all the pepperoni slices, and the rest of the mozzarella. Place the top half of the buns on top of the fillings.
4. Make Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (optional) in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the bun tops.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until tops are golden and slightly crispy.
6. Finish and Serve: Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Allow to cool for a bit, then slice into sliders and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.