Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe for Game Day Magic

Sliding into your weekend with these mouthwatering pepperoni pizza sliders that promise pure comfort and flavor.

Packed with zesty marinara, melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni, these mini sandwiches deliver big taste in small bites.

Buttery rolls cradle a perfect blend of Italian-inspired ingredients that will make your taste buds dance.

Each slider brings a burst of classic pizza goodness without the hassle of a full-sized pie.

These bite-sized delights are perfect for game day, movie nights, or spontaneous gatherings.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these sliders will become your new go-to party favorite.

Prepare to impress everyone with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Pepperoni Pizza Slider Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Slider Buns: Soft, small bread rolls perfect for creating mini sandwiches.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Spicy, flavorful sausage that adds a classic pizza taste to the sliders.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that provides a gooey texture and traditional pizza flavor.
Sauce and Spread:
  • Marinara Sauce, Extra Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato-based sauce that brings classic pizza flavor to the sliders.
  • Melted Butter: Rich, golden ingredient that helps create a crispy and flavorful top for the sliders.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices that enhance the pizza-like flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Finishing touches that add extra depth and freshness to the sliders.

Steps To Prepare Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Slice and Separate Buns

Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected like a soft, doughy sandwich.

Gently place the bottom half into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Layer on the Flavor

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bun base.

Then create delicious layers:
  • Mozzarella cheese (first half)
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Remaining mozzarella cheese

Top with the other half of the bun slab.

Step 4: Whip Up the Magic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)

Brush this flavor-packed mixture all over the top of the buns.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey wonderland.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes to create a golden, crispy top.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh basil over the sliders.

Let them cool for a moment, then slice into individual portions.

Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pepperoni Pizza Slider Helpful Tips

  • Keep slider buns connected when cutting to maintain structural integrity and ensure even topping distribution.
  • Layer mozzarella both under and over pepperoni to create a gooey, perfectly melted cheese experience.
  • Add red pepper flakes to butter mixture for a subtle spicy kick that elevates the entire slider profile.
  • Remove foil in final baking stage to achieve golden, slightly crunchy bun tops for textural contrast.
  • Let sliders cool briefly before cutting to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth while maintaining optimal taste and texture.

Sliders With Tasty Pizza Variations

  • Vegetarian Pizza Sliders: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a meat-free version packed with colorful vegetables.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sliders: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese between layers for a zesty, creamy kick that transforms the classic pepperoni recipe.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Sliders: Swap marinara for pesto, use feta cheese, and top with sliced olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serve Pepperoni Sliders Hot And Fresh

  • Pizza Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a large wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, creating a fun, interactive dining experience for friends and family.
  • Picnic Perfect Pairs: Pack sliders in a portable container with crisp green salad and cold pasta salad for a delightful outdoor meal that travels well.
  • Game Day Touchdown: Serve hot sliders alongside cold beverages, chicken wings, and fresh vegetable sticks for a complete sports viewing spread that keeps everyone satisfied.
  • Afternoon Snack Attack: Cut sliders into smaller bite-sized pieces for kids' parties or casual gatherings, making them easy to grab and enjoy without utensils.

Storing Pizza Sliders For Later Bites

  • Store cooled pizza sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for quick future meals.
  • Warm refrigerated sliders in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy buns.
  • Assemble sliders up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend. Just ensure it melts well and complements the pepperoni flavor.

  • How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

To keep buns crisp, lightly toast them before adding fillings and don’t overload with marinara sauce. Pat pepperoni dry to reduce excess moisture.

  • Are pepperoni pizza sliders good for a party?

Absolutely! They’re easy to make, quick to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings. They can be prepared ahead and quickly baked before serving.

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Fun Party Choice

  • Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up these pepperoni pizza sliders in mere minutes with minimal prep work and simple ingredients everyone loves.
  • Party-Perfect Appetizer: Crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings that will have guests asking for seconds.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Swap pepperoni for other toppings like ham, sausage, or vegetarian options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Cheesy, saucy, and bite-sized sliders that appeal to both children and adults, making mealtime fun and stress-free.
Print
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Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory pepperoni pizza sliders deliver miniature flavor explosions perfect for game day gatherings. Small sandwiches packed with cheesy goodness will make guests crave more and ask for your secret recipe.


Ingredients

Scale

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended for sweet-savory flavor)
  • 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) pepperoni slices (mini pepperonis work best for even distribution)

Pizza Sauce and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully slice the slider bun package horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves connected as one unified piece.
  3. Spread a uniform layer of marinara sauce across the bottom bun surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Distribute half the mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce as the first cheese layer.
  5. Arrange pepperoni slices across the cheese layer, creating a complete coverage of the surface.
  6. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni to create a second cheese layer.
  7. Gently place the top half of the buns over the layered fillings.
  8. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the bun package, ensuring even distribution.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts completely.
  11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to achieve golden, crispy tops.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
  13. Allow sliders to cool slightly, then slice into individual portions and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Swap pepperoni for alternatives like ham, salami, or vegetarian sausage to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to make the sliders mild or extra zesty, perfect for varying heat tolerances.
  • Try different cheese blends like provolone, fontina, or a pre-shredded Italian mix for unique flavor profiles.
  • Assemble sliders in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during gatherings or game days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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