Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun twist on classic pizza, packed with melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and soft, fluffy slider buns. These little sandwiches are perfect for when you want…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun twist on classic pizza, packed with melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and soft, fluffy slider buns. These little sandwiches are perfect for when you want all the flavors of pizza but in a bite-sized, easy-to-handle form. They’re super cheesy with just the right amount of tangy tomato sauce and that irresistible pepperoni crispiness.
I love making these sliders because they’re so quick to whip up and a total crowd-pleaser. Whenever I bring them to a get-together or game day, they disappear fast! A little tip I like is to brush the tops of the buns with garlic butter before baking to add an extra layer of flavor that makes them even more irresistible.
These sliders are great served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or paired with a fresh salad to balance out the richness. They bring back memories of casual nights with family or friends where no one wants to fuss with plates and forks—just grab a slider and enjoy. They’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or even a cozy night in when you need something comforting but quick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls work best here to hold all the fillings without falling apart. If you can’t find slider buns, dinner rolls or even small hamburger buns make good substitutes.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. For a quicker option, jarred pizza sauce is fine. I recommend a sauce with a good balance of tang and sweetness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly for that gooey cheesy layer. You can mix in some provolone or fontina for a richer taste, or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Pepperoni: The classic spicy, crispy pepperoni slices add a lot of flavor. For a milder taste, try turkey pepperoni or even sliced salami.
Garlic Butter Topping: Melting butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning creates a delicious, golden crust on top. Don’t skip this—it adds flavor and keeps the buns soft and shiny.
How Do I Get the Perfect Gooey Cheese and Crispy Buns?
To get that perfect melty cheese and soft but golden bun, follow these tips:
- Keep the buns connected: Slice the buns as one big piece and assemble all sliders together in the baking dish. This helps the cheese melt evenly and makes baking easy.
- Brush generously with garlic butter: Brush both the sliced sides and the tops with the butter mixture to add flavor and prevent drying out.
- Even layers: Spread sauce and cheese evenly so each slider has the same delicious amount when cut.
- Watch the oven time: Bake just 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and buns are golden. Too long can dry them out or burn the tops.
- Let it rest briefly after baking: Before cutting, let the sliders sit 3-5 minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit so it doesn’t slide out when you cut them.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or sheet pan – perfect for assembling and baking the whole slider batch at once.
- Sharp knife – to slice the slider buns evenly without squishing them.
- Small bowl – to mix the garlic butter and seasoning for brushing.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the garlic butter evenly on the buns for a golden crust.
- Cutting board – to safely slice your buns and prep ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meat option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers between the cheese and pepperoni for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a little crushed garlic into the sauce for a spicier slider.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices of pepperoni
For The Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have these delicious sliders ready in roughly 30 minutes including a few minutes to slice and assemble.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Buns:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice all the slider buns horizontally, keeping the whole batch connected if possible to make assembling easier.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture and Brush the Buns:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously on both the cut sides and tops of the buns for extra flavor and a nice golden crust.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread an even layer of pizza sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then layer the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Put the top halves of the buns back on to complete each slider.
4. Bake and Serve:
Transfer the assembled sliders onto a baking dish or sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and carefully slice between the buns to separate individual sliders. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if you like and serve warm, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful Pepperoni Pizza Sliders — perfect for a fun meal or party snack!
Can I Make Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best melty cheese and warm buns.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you prefer, you can use cooked Italian sausage, sliced salami, or turkey pepperoni for a milder flavor. You could also skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the buns soft and cheese melty.
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor and gooey texture.