Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer or meal, these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the perfect choice! Packed with savory pepperoni, melted cheese, and marinara sauce, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in slider form!
Ingredients
To make these irresistible sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 slider rolls (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 24 slices of pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the sliders to bake evenly and become nice and golden brown.
2. Prepare the Sliders
Cut the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. This will help hold everything together when assembling the sliders.
Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking dish (9×13 works best) or a large baking sheet.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half of the rolls. Be generous, but not too much—you want the buns to stay soft, not soggy.
Next, layer the pepperoni slices over the sauce. Feel free to add more pepperoni if you love extra meat—it’s totally customizable to your taste.
Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. This will melt beautifully and hold everything together.
4. Assemble and Season
Place the top half of the slider rolls on top of the cheese. Use a basting brush to brush melted butter on the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
This simple seasoning step gives the sliders an added burst of flavor and helps the rolls become crispy on top.
5. Bake the Sliders
Now it’s time to bake the sliders! Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
Pro Tip: If you want the tops to be extra crispy, you can broil the sliders for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re out of the oven, let them sit for a few minutes before slicing into individual sliders. Garnish with some fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.
Serve hot with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations and Pro Tips
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Spicy Option: Add banana peppers or jalapeños between the layers for a spicy kick.
- Healthier Twist: Use whole wheat slider rolls and opt for turkey pepperoni for a leaner version of these sliders.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a quick and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a fun, portable form. With minimal ingredients and effort, they’re perfect for a snack, party appetizer, or even a family dinner. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness that will keep everyone coming back for more!
