Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza sliders are a deliciously convenient twist on traditional pizza, offering all the flavors of your favorite pie in a bite-sized, handheld form. The combination of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni is made even more irresistible with a buttery, seasoned topping. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a family dinner, or a quick snack, these sliders are easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your pizza cravings.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces Italian sausage
• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider rolls
• 1 cup pizza sauce (can substitute with marinara sauce), divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 24 pepperoni slices (or as many as you like)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Dash crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• Extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
2. Prepare the rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them intact as a large top and bottom piece. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Assemble the sliders: Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer the cooked sausage over the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and then arrange the pepperoni slices on top. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni, and then spread the rest of the pizza sauce over the cheese.
4. Top the sliders: Place the top half of the rolls over the assembled ingredients, pressing them down slightly to compact the sliders.
5. Make the garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
6. Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing them into individual servings. Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 12 sliders, serving about 6 people (2 sliders per person).
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Meatless option: Skip the sausage and use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian twist on these sliders.
• Different cheese: Try using provolone or cheddar cheese in addition to or in place of the mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Spicy sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free slider rolls for a gluten-free version of these sliders.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds if you’re short on time.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage. You may want to add additional seasonings like fennel, garlic, or red pepper flakes to mimic the flavor of sausage.

2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders the day before, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes, if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can use regular slider rolls, brioche buns, or even sandwich bread cut into smaller portions.

4. Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a bit more time to the baking process.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses will work well.

6. How can I make these sliders spicier?

For added spice, you can use spicy Italian sausage, add jalapeños, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the sliders before baking.

7. Can I make these sliders without pepperoni?

Yes, you can skip the pepperoni or substitute it with any other pizza topping like sliced olives, mushrooms .

8. Can I bake these sliders in a different dish?

You can use any baking dish that fits the 12 sliders, but the 9×13-inch dish works best for even baking. If using a smaller dish, reduce the cooking time slightly.

9. Can I add vegetables to the sliders?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sliders for extra flavor and texture.

10. How do I make these sliders healthier?

To make them healthier, you can use whole wheat slider rolls, reduce the amount of cheese, and substitute turkey sausage or lean ground turkey for the Italian sausage.

Conclusion

Pizza sliders are a fun, easy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a bite-sized form. With savory sausage, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni, all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with a flavorful buttery seasoning, these sliders are sure to become a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving up dinner for the family, or craving a tasty snack, these pizza sliders will hit the spot every time!

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