Pizza Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Pizza sliders make the best kind of comfort snack for game day or when you just want that fun pizza flavor without the mess of a whole pie. Gooey cheese and pepperoni get baked inside a pillowy soft roll and topped with a buttery, herby crust. It is my go to for parties because they bake up quickly and get devoured even faster.

When I first made these for a birthday party there was not a single slider left afterward. They come out of the oven fragrant and cheesy and you will find yourself going back for more.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: These are slightly sweet and have the softest texture which crisps beautifully on top when baked Choose a fresh package for the best softness
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and mild this holds everything together and gives the iconic pizza stretch Look for whole milk mozzarella for richer flavor
• Pizza sauce: Brings the classic pizza taste Try to use a brand with real tomatoes and Italian herbs for depth
• Deli style dry cured pepperoni: Offers savory spice and does not get greasy as the thicker varieties do Look for pepperoni that is thinly sliced
• Salted sweet cream butter: Melted butter creates a luscious topping Choose high quality for the richest finish
• Grated parmesan: Adds a nutty sharpness to balance the gooey mozzarella Look for real parmesan and not the powdered variety
• Dried Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano basil and more for a true pizzeria vibe Smell your herbs before using to make sure they are fresh

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Lightly coat a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with spray so the sliders do not stick and set aside nearby for easy assembly

Slice the rolls:

Keep all the rolls together in one piece then use a large serrated knife to slice across the entire package horizontally making a single top and bottom layer Take care not to tear them apart

Build the base:

Gently set the bottom half of the rolls into your baking dish This forms the base for all the fillings

Add mozzarella:

Scatter one cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom rolls pressing lightly to spread it out to every corner so each bite gets cheese

Layer the sauce:

Pour all the pizza sauce right on top of the mozzarella and use a spoon to spread it evenly covering the cheese all the way to the edges

Add pepperoni:

Lay the pepperoni slices on the sauce arranging them in overlapping rows to make sure the flavor carries through every slider

Top with more cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining cup and a quarter of mozzarella over the pepperoni to guarantee a gooey cheese pull when you bite in

Finish assembly:

Place the top half of the rolls over everything lining them up so each slider matches up perfectly

Butter the buns:

Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the buns generously with your melted salted butter so they crisp up golden and delicious

Sprinkle parmesan:

Evenly scatter parmesan over the buttery tops for a savory finish

Add Italian seasoning:

Dust the seasoning blend over the parmesan so the aroma hits as soon as you open the oven

Bake and serve:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven for twenty five minutes to set the cheese and crisp the tops Once out carefully slice between sliders so it is easy to serve them hot

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My favorite thing is watching my family pull these sliders apart with gooey mozzarella stretching between buns It always reminds me of pizza night growing up when everybody wanted the cheesiest slice

Storage Tips

Any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature then wrapped tightly in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat bake covered in a low oven until hot or use a toaster oven for a crispier top. These also freeze well wrapped individually just thaw before baking to warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the pepperoni for sliced turkey or cooked sausage for a different twist. I love using a spicy arrabbiata sauce sometimes for extra kick. For a vegetarian option layer in black olives and some thinly sliced bell peppers instead of the meat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with a fresh green salad or a bowl of minestrone for a complete meal. They also make the perfect finger food at a party alongside a veggie tray and some marinara for dipping.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza sliders bring together classic American party food with the unmatched flavor of Italian-American pizza traditions. Hawaiians rolls add a soft sweet element making every bite nostalgic for anyone who grew up on pizza and cheesy breadsticks.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different deli meats instead of pepperoni?

Absolutely! Substitute pepperoni with salami, turkey, or ham as desired. Adjust the quantity to fit your taste.

→ How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Spread the sauce evenly and avoid overloading, as too much can make the bread soggy. Baking uncovered for the last few minutes helps, too.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to make these vegetarian?

You can omit pepperoni or use vegetarian alternatives. Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or peppers for more flavor.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a classic marinara for dipping to complete the meal.