Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade pepperoni pizza sliders with this easy baking recipe! These crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches feature buttery soft rolls filled with zesty marinara, melty mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, then brushed with herbed butter for that authentic pizzeria flavor in bite-sized form.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

12 sliders

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 package (12-count) slider buns or dinner rolls, kept intact</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mozzarella cheese, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g pepperoni slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g grated Parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried red pepper flakes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23x33cm (9x13-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Serrated knife</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Aluminum foil</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 23x33cm (9x13-inch) baking dish. This size is perfect for standard 12-count slider buns without crowding them.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of slider buns horizontally, keeping the buns connected. The goal is to create one large top piece and one large bottom piece. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Don't oversaturate or your sliders might become soggy – aim for a thin, even layer across the entire surface. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent sauce from spilling over during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distributing the cheese evenly ensures each slider will have that perfect cheese-pull when served. The fat in the cheese creates a barrier between the sauce and bread, helping prevent sogginess.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange pepperoni slices across the cheese layer, slightly overlapping them to ensure every bite has pepperoni flavor. The pepperoni will render its flavorful oils during baking, infusing the entire slider with savory, spicy notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni layer. The Parmesan adds a salty, umami dimension that enhances the pizza flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Carefully place the top half of the buns over the layered ingredients, completing your slider assembly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir until well blended. The butter serves as both flavor carrier and aids in creating a beautifully golden, crisp top crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Using a pastry brush, generously brush the herb butter mixture over the top of the buns, ensuring complete coverage. Allow any excess to drip down the sides – this will create deliciously flavored edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. The cover helps trap steam, warming the fillings and melting the cheese without over-browning the tops.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Look for bubbling around the edges – this indicates your sliders are perfectly hot throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Remove from the oven and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making the sliders easier to separate and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the preexisting slider bun divisions, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve while warm and gooey. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh when the contrast between the crisp tops and soft, cheesy centers is at its peak.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Pepperoni Pizza Sliders?

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders require slider buns, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and fresh basil for garnish.

How to cook Pepperoni Pizza Sliders at home?

Learn how to cook Pepperoni Pizza Sliders by slicing slider buns horizontally, layering with marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni and Parmesan, then brushing with herb butter. Bake covered at 180°C for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes until golden. This creates perfect mini sandwiches with that authentic pizza flavour in bite-sized form!

Can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them covered. Just wait to add the herb butter until right before baking. When ready to serve, brush with butter and bake as directed, adding 3-5 extra minutes if cooking from cold.

What's the best way to prevent soggy bottoms when making pizza sliders?

To prevent soggy bottoms, use a moderate amount of sauce, create a cheese barrier between sauce and bread, slightly toast the bottom buns before assembly, or sprinkle a thin layer of Parmesan on the bottom buns before adding sauce to create a protective layer.

What are some popular variations for mini pizza sandwiches?

Popular variations include vegetarian sliders with peppers and mushrooms, Hawaiian style with ham and pineapple, BBQ chicken with red onions, supreme with multiple toppings, or buffalo chicken with blue cheese. You can also use different breads like brioche buns or pretzel rolls.

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