Pizza Sliders bring all the beloved flavors of classic pizza into a fun, handheld sandwich form. These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick family meal when you crave the comfort of pizza without the hassle of slicing and serving a pie.
With layers of gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, savory pepperoni, and hearty Italian sausage, these sliders are baked to golden perfection and topped with melted butter, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese for that extra burst of flavor. They’re easy to customize, quick to prepare, and irresistibly delicious.
- Combines all favorite pizza ingredients in a convenient, bite-sized slider.
- Quick assembly and baking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- Customizable toppings mean you can satisfy everyone’s pizza cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns: Soft and fluffy mini buns that serve as the perfect pizza sandwich base, holding all toppings securely.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic melty cheese that creates a gooey, flavorful layer essential to any pizza slider.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Zesty tomato-based sauce that adds that iconic pizza tang and moisture throughout the sliders.
- 24 slices pepperoni: Spicy, thinly sliced pepperoni rounds that add a bold and savory punch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage: Crumbled, seasoned sausage that provides hearty texture and rich flavor contrast.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Softened butter brushed on top of buns for a browned, crispy and flavorful crust after baking.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Aromatic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the pizza flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty cheese sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish and beautiful color.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the right temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking of the sliders without burning.
- Prepare the Slider Buns
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Slice the slider buns horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. This provides a sturdy base to hold the layers and keeps the sliders together while baking.
- Layer the Pizza Sauce
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Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom buns. This infuses the sliders with tangy flavor and prevents the bread from becoming too dry during baking.
- Add Cheese and Meats
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Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices and cooked Italian sausage on top. These layers build the classic pizza taste and provide delicious, savory texture.
- Repeat Sauce and Cheese Layers
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Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the meat toppings and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. This second layer ensures every bite is full of cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Top with Bun Halves and Seasoning
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Place the top halves of the slider buns over the layered ingredients. Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan for rich flavor and a golden-brown finish.
- Bake Until Melted and Golden
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Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the buns have turned golden brown. This melting process melds the flavors together and crisps the tops perfectly.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy
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Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve your pizza sliders warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh but also make a delicious leftover snack.
- Customize your sliders by swapping pepperoni with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or a quick dinner option for busy days.
- Be careful not to overbake to prevent buns from becoming too hard or dry.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm to retain melty cheese and maintain their texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pizza sliders with a fresh side salad or some crunchy veggie sticks. They also pair wonderfully with classic dips like ranch or garlic aioli for added flavor contrast.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting quality and texture.
- Lightly butter the baking dish before arranging buns to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Let sliders rest for a few minutes after baking to avoid burning your mouth on molten cheese.
FAQs
- Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
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Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and refrigerate them covered. Bake just before serving for best results.
- What kind of buns work best?
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Slider or dinner rolls that are soft but sturdy work best to hold all the toppings without becoming soggy.
- How can I make these spicier?
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Add spicy pepperoni or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also mix chili powder into the pizza sauce for a kick.
- Can I freeze leftover sliders?
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Yes, wrap individual sliders tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
- What’s a good dipping sauce?
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Marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli make perfect dipping sauces to complement the pizza flavors.
- Are these suitable for kids?
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Definitely! The small size and familiar pizza taste make pizza sliders a kid-friendly option for meals or snacks.
Pizza Sliders
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 baking dish
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and arrange bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread half of the pizza sauce over the bottom buns.
- Layer with half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and Italian sausage.
- Spread remaining pizza sauce over the layers, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns on each slider.
- Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese melts and buns are golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy your pizza sliders.
Notes
- Customize sliders with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Serve as a party appetizer or quick family meal.
- Best served warm for melty cheese.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat before serving.
