Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun and tasty twist on the classic pizza you know and love. These little sliders are packed with melty cheese, zesty pepperoni slices, and flavorful pizza sauce, all tucked inside soft, buttery slider buns. They’re perfect for when you want a bite-sized snack that feels just like pizza in mini form.
I love making these sliders when I have friends over because everyone gets to grab their own little pizza sandwich, and there’s no mess with plates or forks. Plus, they’re super easy to customize—add extra cheese, sprinkle some herbs, or even throw on some veggies if you like. It’s like having your favorite pizza but way more fun to eat.
Whenever I serve these, I like to pair them with a simple salad or some crisp veggies on the side to balance out all that cheesy goodness. They’re great for parties, game nights, or just a cozy movie night at home. Honestly, making these sliders always brings back those carefree pizza nights that everyone loves, but with a smaller, handheld twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft buns like Hawaiian or potato rolls work best. They add a slight sweetness and hold up to the sauce and cheese. If unavailable, dinner rolls or small sandwich buns are good alternatives.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce for convenience. In a pinch, marinara or spaghetti sauce works just fine. For a fresher touch, add a pinch of garlic or herbs to boost flavor.
Pepperoni: Classic sliced pepperoni is perfect here. If you prefer less spice, try sliced turkey pepperoni or even cooked sausage slices. Vegetarians can swap for sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. Fresh mozzarella can be used but slice it thin to avoid too much moisture. For extra flavor, blend in some provolone or cheddar.
Butter & Seasonings: The melted butter brushed on top keeps the buns soft and adds flavor when mixed with garlic powder and Italian spices. Olive oil can also work, but butter gives that rich, golden finish.
How Do I Get the Buns Soft but Perfectly Toasted?
The trick is baking the sliders covered with foil first to melt the cheese and warm everything through without drying out the buns. Then, uncover and bake briefly to crisp and brown the tops.
- Slice the buns as a whole slab to keep everything together during baking.
- Brush on the butter mixture evenly for a golden shine and great flavor.
- Cover with foil so steam softens the buns while the cheese melts.
- Uncover for the last 5 minutes to get that slight crunch on top without hardening the bread.
This two-step bake keeps sliders soft inside and gives the outside a delicious, buttery crust that makes the whole dish pop.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – It’s the perfect size to hold the sliders in a neat, even layer.
- Sharp knife – For slicing the buns cleanly without tearing.
- Brush or spoon – To evenly spread the melted butter mixture over the buns.
- Aluminum foil – Keeps the sliders covered during baking to melt the cheese properly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or sautéed mushrooms for different flavors.
- Add a layer of sliced bell peppers, onions, or olives for extra crunch and color.
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a richer, more complex taste.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian herbs into the butter for a spicy or fragrant twist.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft, preferably Hawaiian or potato rolls)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 12 slices pepperoni (about 1 per slider)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so around 30 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy way to get cheesy, delicious sliders on the table fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Slider Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally in one big piece, so the top and bottom halves stay connected like a sandwich slab. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
2. Add Sauce, Pepperoni, and Cheese:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom buns. Then, layer the pepperoni slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni for that gooey, melty texture.
3. Top and Season the Sliders:
Place the top half of the buns back onto the sliders. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful butter mix evenly over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Then take off the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the tops of the buns.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sliders from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if you like. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then slice between the buns and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy, savory Pepperoni Pizza Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Slider Buns for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before assembling the sliders. This helps them bake evenly and prevents sogginess.
Can I Add More Toppings to the Sliders?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, or cooked sausage to customize your sliders. Just layer them between the sauce and cheese before baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders but wait to add the butter and seasoning topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the butter mixture and bake right before serving for the freshest results.