These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are fun little sandwiches filled with gooey cheese and tasty pepperoni. They’re perfect for a quick meal or a party snack!
Who can resist that cheesy goodness? I like to dip them in marinara sauce for an extra kick. Trust me, leftovers won’t last long with these around! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: The base of your sliders! I love using soft Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness, but you can use any small sandwich rolls if those aren’t available.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce: This adds lots of flavor. If you’re out of both, try using canned diced tomatoes with Italian herbs. It works in a pinch!
Pepperoni: Traditional choice, but you can swap it for turkey pepperoni or even veggies for a lighter option. Sliced bell peppers or mushrooms are tasty too!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy texture we love! For a change, try provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This brings a nice salty touch on top. Grana Padano is a good alternative if you have it. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor too!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted Without Burning the Buns?
Getting that cheese gooey while keeping your buns soft can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat is key for baking evenly.
- Cover the sliders with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps melt the cheese without drying out the buns.
- Remove the foil for the last few minutes to let the tops get golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Enjoy these sliders warm for the best gooey, cheesy experience!
How to Make Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (or small sandwich rolls)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, divided
- 12 slices pepperoni (about 1 per slider)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious Pepperoni Pizza Sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Slice the Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep them attached to each other if you can. This helps everything stay together when you’re assembling the sliders.
3. Add the Sauce:
Take about ½ cup of your marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the bottom half of the buns. This is where we’ll build our delicious flavors!
4. Layer the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. Make it as cheesy as you like—it’s the star of the show!
5. Add the Pepperoni:
Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Each slider gets one slice, but feel free to add more if you want it extra meaty!
6. More Sauce:
Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce over the top of the pepperoni. This adds even more flavor and keeps everything nice and moist.
7. Top It Off:
Now, place the top halves of the slider buns over the filled bottoms. It’s coming together nicely!
8. Butter and Season:
Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. Then, sprinkle the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top for that extra delicious touch.
9. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep everything nice and soft while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
10. Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the tops to turn golden brown—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. You can garnish them with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm with some extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your gooey, cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sliders! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍕
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for that gooey texture, feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor. Just make sure the total amount stays around 2 cups!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sliders up to the baking step, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to a day. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What Should I Do with Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Add Extra Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your sliders with additional toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just be cautious not to overload them, so they hold together well!