Pepperoni Pizza Sliders (Pull-Apart)

If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Pepperoni Pizza Sliders. These pull-apart sliders are the perfect blend of a classic pizza and a savory sandwich, all baked into soft, buttery rolls. Featuring layers of pepperoni, melted cheese, pizza sauce, and herbs, these bite-sized sliders are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or even an easy weeknight meal. Not only are they super flavorful, but they’re also fun to eat and incredibly easy to share.

What Are Pepperoni Pizza Sliders?

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are small sandwiches made with soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls, stuffed with classic pizza ingredients like pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. The rolls are arranged tightly in a baking dish and brushed with a seasoned butter topping, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a batch of pull-apart sliders that ooze with melted cheese and taste just like your favorite pepperoni pizza, but with the added bonus of soft, buttery rolls.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen:

For the Sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (or any soft dinner rolls)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and provolone)
• 20-24 slices of pepperoni (enough to cover each slider)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Spread pizza sauce: Evenly spread pizza sauce over the bottom half of the rolls.
2. Add cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
3. Layer with pepperoni: Arrange slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
4. More cheese: Top the pepperoni with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the cheese layer.
6. Top with the rolls: Place the top half of the rolls back over the filling.

Step 3: Brush with Butter Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to give them a golden, flavorful crust as they bake.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the sliders cool for a minute or two before serving.
2. Use your hands to pull apart each slider, and serve them warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

• Quick and Easy: These sliders take just minutes to assemble and are perfect when you need a last-minute snack or appetizer.
• Crowd Favorite: Who doesn’t love pizza? These sliders take all the best parts of pizza—gooey cheese, pepperoni, and savory sauce—and put them into a fun, bite-sized form.
• Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes them easy to serve at parties, potlucks, or game days. Guests can simply grab a slider and enjoy!
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. Add extra toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a fully-loaded pizza experience.

Tips for Success:

• Use Soft Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for absorbing the sauce and butter topping. However, any soft dinner rolls will work.
• Don’t Overbake: Be sure to watch the sliders while baking. You want the cheese to melt, but you don’t want the rolls to dry out. Baking them covered for the first half helps keep them moist.
• Serve Immediately: These sliders are best served warm when the cheese is still gooey and the rolls are soft and buttery.

Variations:

• Supreme Pizza Sliders: Add extra toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or black olives to create a “supreme pizza” version of these sliders.
• Meat Lovers Sliders: For a heartier option, add crumbled sausage or bacon along with the pepperoni.
• Vegetarian Sliders: Omit the pepperoni and load up the sliders with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes for a veggie-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a convenient, pull-apart form. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, these sliders are loaded with cheesy, pepperoni goodness, all encased in soft, buttery rolls. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just looking for a fun family meal, these pizza sliders are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite pizza toppings and serve them with extra sauce for dipping—guaranteed to disappear fast.