Description
These Pizza Sliders are a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack made with sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, a savory mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and flavorful herbs. Baked to golden perfection and served warm with a side of heated pizza sauce, they combine the best flavors of pizza in a convenient slider size, ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 24 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 12 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1¼ teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 1¼ teaspoons dried basil, divided
- 1 (14-ounce) jar pizza sauce, divided
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice the rolls: Keeping the tray of Hawaiian rolls intact, carefully slice horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
- Prepare cheese mixture and layer: In a medium bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), ¾ teaspoon dried oregano, and ¾ teaspoon dried basil. Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom layer of rolls, then sprinkle half of the cheese mixture all over. Next, layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Add the tops and start baking: Cover the layered rolls with the top halves. Tent the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Prepare butter garlic herb mixture: While the sliders bake, combine melted butter, minced garlic, the remaining ½ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon basil in a small bowl.
- Brush and finish baking: Remove the sliders from the oven and carefully discard the foil. Brush the tops generously with the butter-garlic herb mixture. Return the uncovered sliders to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has fully melted.
- Warm the remaining sauce: Meanwhile, heat the remaining pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm and ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the pizza sliders warm, optionally sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese on top. Offer the warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping, making these sliders even more delicious and satisfying.
Notes
- Keep the rolls intact when slicing to maintain easy assembly and even layers.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add them for a touch of heat or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting without excess moisture.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
