Pizza Sliders (Oven-Baked & Irresistible)
Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, classic pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, then brushed with a savory garlic-parmesan butter. These sliders disappear fast!
Ingredients
Slider Base
1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
¾ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping, optional)
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20 slices deli-style dry-cured pepperoni
Butter Topping
⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
½ cup sliced black olives or mushrooms
½ cup cooked Italian sausage or ham
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Serrated knife
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Aluminum foil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Slice the Rolls
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
3️⃣ Add the Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom layer of rolls, covering edge to edge.
4️⃣ Cheese Layer
Sprinkle ½ of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5️⃣ Pepperoni Layer
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer. Slightly overlap for full coverage.
6️⃣ Finish Filling
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring even distribution.
7️⃣ Add the Tops
Place the top half of the rolls back on, pressing gently.
8️⃣ Make Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
Melted butter
Grated Parmesan
Italian seasoning
(Plus garlic powder or red pepper flakes if using)
Mix well.
9️⃣ Brush & Bake
Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
🔟 Uncover & Finish Baking
Remove foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
1️⃣1️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let sliders rest for 5 minutes, then slice along roll lines and serve warm.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories: ~230–260 per slider (approximate)
Tips & Variations
Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or mozzarella-cheddar blend
Meat Lover’s: Add cooked sausage, bacon bits, or ham
Veggie Pizza: Use bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms
Crispy Bottom: Toast bottom rolls for 3 minutes before assembling
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes (foil first, then uncovered)
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes
Avoid microwave if possible (can make rolls soggy)
