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Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

I made these pepperoni pizza sliders on a busy evening when I wanted something fun, cheesy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. From the first bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper because it tasted just like pizza night but in a soft, buttery slider form.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Hawaiian sweet rolls – 12 rolls soft and slightly sweet, they balance the savory pepperoni and cheese better than regular rolls
  • Pepperoni slices – 24 to 30 slices classic pizza flavor; use a good-quality pepperoni for less grease and better taste
  • Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups freshly shredded (freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creamier than pre-shredded varieties)
  • Marinara or pizza sauce – ½ cup a thick pizza-style sauce prevents soggy sliders and keeps flavors bold
  • Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons melted (adds richness and helps the tops bake golden without excess salt)
  • Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon brings that familiar pizza aroma with oregano, basil, and herbs
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon blends evenly into the butter topping without overpowering the sliders
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons adds a salty, nutty finish and helps create a lightly crisp topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven and lightly grease your baking dish. I carefully slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected so they’re easier to layer. Place the bottom half into the dish, making sure it fits snugly.
  2. I spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. This creates a pizza-style base and keeps every bite flavorful. Don’t overdo it, or the sliders may turn soggy.
  3. Next, I sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then I add a generous layer of pepperoni slices, followed by the remaining cheese to lock everything together.
  4. I gently place the top half of the rolls back on, pressing lightly so the layers stick. This step helps the sliders bake evenly and hold their shape.
  5. In a small bowl, I mix melted butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture gives the sliders that irresistible golden crust.
  6. I brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Then I cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese is melted, removing the foil at the end for browning.
  7. Once baked, I let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier before serving.

Notes

  • I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes creamier.
  • I line the baking dish tightly so the sliders don’t spread apart while baking.
  • I add a few extra pepperoni slices on the edges for more flavor in every corner.
  • I let them cool slightly before cutting to keep the layers intact.