Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, all packed into little sandwich-sized bites. Imagine soft, slightly toasted slider buns filled with melty cheese, plenty of spicy pepperoni slices, and a rich tomato sauce that ties it all together. They’re perfect for when you want all the flavors of pizza but in an easy-to-grab form.
I love making these for casual nights when friends come over or for a kids’ party because they’re just so simple to eat with your hands and everyone can have their own little slider. One of my favorite tricks is to brush the tops of the buns with a little garlic butter before baking—it adds that extra punch of flavor that makes these sliders extra special.
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are great served warm right out of the oven, maybe with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you want to get a little extra cheesy. They’re one of those recipes that disappear fast because they’re so tasty and easy to share. I always find myself making a double batch—they’re that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft buns or Hawaiian rolls work best for these sliders because they get golden and slightly crispy when baked. You can swap for dinner rolls or small sandwich buns if needed.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni gives that spicy kick. Try turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or even sliced salami or cooked sausage.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly and gets that stretchy texture we all love. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Any pizza or marinara sauce works here. Homemade or store-bought, just pick one you like. For a twist, add some crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Butter & Seasoning: Brushing the buns with garlic butter and Italian seasoning adds great flavor and browns the buns nicely. If you want more garlic punch, add fresh chopped garlic to the butter.
How Do You Get the Perfect Melty Cheese and Crispy Toppings?
Getting the cheese perfectly melted and the buns golden can be tricky, but here’s how I do it:
- After assembling the sliders, cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam and melt the cheese gently during the first 15 minutes of baking.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the buns crisp up and the cheese bubble a little.
- Watch closely at the end to avoid over-browning.
- This two-step baking keeps the cheese gooey and the tops nicely toasted.
Also, brushing the buns with seasoned melted butter before baking helps them brown beautifully and adds flavor. Low and slow melting gives best results without drying out the buns or toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits the sliders snugly and helps them cook evenly.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the buns in half cleanly and safely.
- Small bowl – for mixing the garlic butter and seasonings.
- Basting brush or spoon – helps spread the butter evenly over the buns.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while baking and melt the cheese thoroughly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use turkey, chicken, or veggie pepperoni for a different protein or a vegetarian version.
- Add sliced black olives, chopped green peppers, or cooked mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls, split in half
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 12 oz sliced pepperoni
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For The Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have your delicious Pepperoni Pizza Sliders ready in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Buns:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish to fit the slider buns snugly. Slice the slider buns horizontally in half and place the bottom halves close together in the dish.
2. Add Sauce, Pepperoni, and Cheese:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom buns. Then, arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
3. Top and Season the Sliders:
Place the top halves of the buns on the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top as well.
4. Bake Until Melty and Golden:
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sliders are warmed through. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve golden, slightly crispy tops.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the sliders out of the oven, and sprinkle the tops with dried parsley or additional Italian seasoning for a fresh touch. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Slider Buns?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before assembling the sliders. You can thaw buns overnight in the fridge or for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and cover them with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them wrapped in foil at 350°F until warm, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like sliced olives or green peppers, swap pepperoni for another deli meat, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.