Why You'll Love It
- - Incredibly easy to assemble with minimal ingredients
- - Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort
- - The pull-apart format makes serving super simple
- - Kids and adults alike adore these cheesy sliders
"My family requests these every game day! So much easier than making individual pizzas."
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Hawaiian rolls: Their slight sweetness balances the savory toppings perfectly. Look for the connected pack so you can slice them all at once.
- Turkey ham: Provides that classic pizza flavor without pork. Look for pre-sliced variety to make assembly quicker.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use freshly shredded for best melting - the pre-shredded kind has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Pizza sauce: A good quality sauce makes all the difference. Look for one with nice herb notes.
- Butter: Combined with garlic and herbs, it creates that irresistible crust on top.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs gives that authentic pizza parlor aroma.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Having everything prepped and measured makes the assembly flow so smoothly. Honestly, it's worth taking those extra minutes to have your cheese shredded and sauce measured.
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Flavor Development:
The magic happens when the butter mixture soaks into the rolls and bakes with the cheese. I mean, that garlic and herb scent filling your kitchen? Nothing beats it.
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Texture Control:
Baking them covered first keeps the rolls tender, then uncovering creates that perfect golden top. It's all about timing.
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Finishing Touches:
Letting them rest for just a few minutes after baking makes them easier to pull apart without burning your fingers. Patience pays off here.
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Serving Timing:
These are best served warm from the oven when the cheese is still gooey. They're perfect alongside other party favorites.
- Slice the entire pack of rolls horizontally to save time
- Don't skimp on the butter mixture - it's key for flavor
- Let cool slightly before serving for cleaner cuts
- Double the recipe if feeding a large crowd
Pro Tips
You know, I've made these so many times now that it feels like second nature. The rhythm of spreading, layering, and baking becomes almost meditative. There's a satisfaction in creating something that brings people together so easily. I remember one Thanksgiving when I made these as an appetizer, and my nephew, who's usually picky, ate three of them before dinner. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that create the best memories around the table.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Don't over-sauce or the rolls can get soggy
- Covering during baking prevents burning
- Let rest before serving for best texture
- These freeze well for make-ahead convenience
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
→ What else can I add to these sliders?
Sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers work beautifully. Just make sure not to overload them or they might not hold together well.
→ Can I use different rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and soft texture, you can use other dinner rolls. The baking time might need slight adjustment.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
→ Can I freeze these?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
→ What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
You can make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. The proportions aren't critical - use what you have.
Chef's Tips
Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls for cleaner cuts,You can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the butter topping for extra flavor,These are perfect for potlucks and parties - always a crowd pleaser
Nutrition Facts
per serving
285
Calories
12g
Protein
18g
Carbs
18g
Fat
Taste Profile
Savory and cheesy with a hint of sweetness from the rolls
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Beef sausage works well as a substitute for different flavor profile
Both melt beautifully and provide slightly different flavor notes
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Meat Lovers Version
Add cooked sausage crumbles and bacon bits along with the pepperoni for extra meaty flavor
Vegetarian Style
Skip the meats and load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and extra cheese
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Over-saucing the rolls leading to sogginess
- Skipping the covered baking step resulting in dried-out tops
- Cutting immediately after baking causing messy serving
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble these completely up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or toaster oven. Microwave reheating will make the bread soft, so oven is preferred for maintaining texture.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Preheat oven and slice rolls
Assemble sliders with sauce, meats, and cheese
Prepare butter mixture and brush over tops
Bake covered for 15 minutes
Bake uncovered for final browning
Rest before serving
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders: Easy Pull-Apart Appetizer
These pepperoni pizza sliders are the perfect party food - warm, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make with Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 01 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 02 8 ounces turkey ham, thinly sliced
- 03 6 ounces pepperoni slices
- 04 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 05 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Butter Topping
- 01 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 04 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the entire package of Hawaiian rolls and slice them horizontally in half, keeping the bottom and top connected. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer the turkey ham slices over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
Place the top half of the rolls back on. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them apart along the perforations. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Notes & Tips
- 1 Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls for cleaner cuts
- 2 You can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the butter topping for extra flavor
- 3 These are perfect for potlucks and parties - always a crowd pleaser
Tools You'll Need
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9x13 inch baking dish
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Pastry brush
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Serrated knife
Must-Know Tips
- Don't over-sauce the rolls to prevent sogginess
- Let them rest before cutting for cleaner slices
- Brush the butter mixture generously for maximum flavor
Professional Secrets
- Room temperature butter mixes more evenly with seasonings
- Covering during initial baking keeps rolls moist
- Uncovering at the end creates perfect browning
Recipe by
Oliver Brooks“Every great meal begins with the perfect bite. My passion is crafting irresistible starters that wow.” 🧀🍢
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