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