Pizza sliders are mini sandwiches packed with cheesy goodness! They’re filled with your favorite pizza toppings, all nestled in soft buns. Perfect for a quick snack or game day treat!
Who doesn’t love pizza? These sliders are easy to make and a big hit at parties. I always end up making extra because they disappear fast—it’s like a pizza party in every bite! 🍕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft slider buns for the best texture. If you can’t find slider buns, dinner rolls or even mini bagels can work well. Just make sure they’re not too dense!
Marinara Sauce: A classic pizza flavor starts with great marinara. You can swap it with pizza sauce or even Alfredo for a creamy twist. Homemade sauce is a fun project if you’re up for it!
Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to for melting. However, if you want a punch of flavor, consider mixing in provolone or adding a bit of goat cheese. It adds a nice tang!
Pepperoni: While it’s a favorite, don’t hesitate to mix it up with other toppings like cooked sausage, veggies, or even cooked bacon. It’s all about personal taste!
Butter and Seasonings: The garlic and Italian seasonings combined with melted butter give a tasty finish. If you’re avoiding butter, olive oil is a great substitute. For seasoning, get creative with your favorite herbs!
How Do I Get My Sliders Extra Cheesy and Golden Brown?
To achieve that irresistible cheesy goodness, layering is key! When building your sliders, be sure to add cheese both below and above your toppings. This helps trap all the flavors and moisture inside.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Brushing the tops with the butter mixture not only adds flavor but also helps them get that gorgeous golden color.
- Covering with foil for part of baking keeps everything moist; remove it to allow the tops to crisp up.
Patience pays off! Letting them cool slightly before slicing helps keep everything together when serving. Enjoy your sliders fresh from the oven!
How to Make Delicious Pizza Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 package (12 count) slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any desired toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or sausage)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for a total of 40 minutes. You’ll have bubbling, cheesy pizza sliders ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your sliders will bake perfectly while you’re preparing everything else.
2. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together and set aside for later.
3. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the entire package of slider buns in half horizontally. Try to keep them intact so you’ll have a top and bottom half for your slider. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom bun layer. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, arrange your pepperoni slices (or other toppings like bell peppers or olives) evenly across the cheese. Top it all off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Complete the Slider Assembly:
Once your delicious layers are ready, place the top half of the slider buns on the cheese layer. Now, brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the buns. Make sure to coat them well so they come out tasty and golden.
6. Baking Time!
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and additional Italian seasoning on top if you’d like. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the buns to be golden brown and the cheese to be nice and bubbly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your sliders are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice them up, serve warm, and garnish with some chopped fresh parsley. Don’t forget the extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty pizza sliders!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for these sliders, feel free to mix it up with provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just be sure that any cheese you use melts well to achieve that gooey texture!
What If I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
No worries! You can use regular hamburger buns, or even cut a loaf of Italian or French bread into smaller sections. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re using a different bread type to ensure everything is heated through and golden brown.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the sliders, cover them well, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover pizza sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil, to keep them from drying out.
