Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. These little handheld bites have all the flavors of your favorite pizza wrapped up in soft, buttery slider buns. With melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, savory pizza sauce, and a garlic-herb butter brushed on top, they’re comfort food at its finest. Perfect for game day, family movie night, or those evenings when you need something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Love More Sliders? Try My Philly Cheese Steak Sliders or this French Dip Sliders next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pure nostalgia in every bite – All the classic pizza flavors you grew up loving, in a fun, shareable format
• Ready in under 30 minutes – From pantry to table faster than delivery
• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – Kids and adults alike can’t resist these cheesy little sandwiches
• Minimal cleanup – Everything bakes together in one dish
• Endlessly customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings and make them your own

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Slider Sandwiches:

• 12 slider buns or small Hawaiian rolls (the slight sweetness of Hawaiian rolls is perfect here)
• 12–18 slices pepperoni (about 1–2 per slider, depending on size)
• 1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (the star of the show—don’t skimp!)
• 1–1½ cups pizza sauce (store-bought works beautifully, or use your homemade favorite)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Italian blend cheese (adds that extra savory punch)
• Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, banana peppers (customize to your family’s taste)

For the Butter Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (makes the tops golden and irresistible)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme—all the pizza vibes)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for those who like a little kick)

Why These Ingredients Work

The slider buns, especially Hawaiian rolls, provide the perfect soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up just enough pizza sauce without getting soggy. Pizza sauce delivers that familiar tangy tomato flavor we all crave, while the pepperoni brings the savory, slightly spicy meatiness that defines classic pizza.

Mozzarella cheese is the heart of these sliders—it melts beautifully and creates those irresistible cheese pulls we all love. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

But here’s the secret weapon: that garlic herb butter brushed on top transforms ordinary slider buns into golden, fragrant perfection that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria. The Italian seasoning ties everything together with familiar pizza herbs, while the optional red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat for those who like their pizza with a little attitude.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for a dozen sliders
• Small mixing bowl – For whisking together that delicious butter topping
• Pastry brush or spoon – To spread the garlic butter evenly
• Sharp serrated knife – Makes slicing the buns and cutting the finished sliders much easier
• Aluminum foil – Keeps everything moist while baking
• Parchment paper (optional) – Makes cleanup even easier

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C)—this moderate temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning the tops.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Slice all the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms together as one connected sheet and the tops as another. This makes assembly so much easier and helps the sliders bake evenly.

Place the bottom halves in an even layer in your prepared baking dish, cut side up and ready for all those delicious toppings.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over each bottom bun—not too much or they’ll get soggy, just enough to coat them with that tangy tomato goodness.

Add 1 to 2 slices of pepperoni on each slider, depending on the size of your pepperoni and how much you love it. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni, making sure every slider gets plenty of that melty cheese.

If you’re adding optional toppings like olives, bell peppers, or banana peppers, sprinkle them on now. Finish with a light dusting of grated Parmesan or Italian blend cheese over everything for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Tops

Carefully place the top halves of the slider buns over your beautifully layered fillings. They should fit snugly together like a puzzle.

Step 5: Make the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. If you like a little heat, add that pinch of red pepper flakes now.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil—this creates a steamy environment that helps the cheese melt beautifully. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and everything is warmed through. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes if you want the tops golden brown and slightly crisp. I always do this step—it adds such a nice texture contrast.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. This brief rest helps the cheese set slightly so they’re easier to cut and less likely to burn eager mouths.

Use a sharp knife to cut between the sliders, separating them into individual servings. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

You Must Know

The key to perfect Pepperoni Pizza Sliders is balancing moisture and structure. If you add too much sauce, the buns will become soggy and fall apart. Aim for a thin, even coating—just enough to taste in every bite without overwhelming the bread.

The buns should feel slightly firm when you press them, not mushy. Also, don’t skip covering them with foil during the first part of baking. This step is crucial for melting the cheese thoroughly without drying out or over-browning the tops.

The residual heat continues cooking them even after they come out of the oven, so let them rest for those few minutes before cutting.

Personal Secret: I always warm my slider buns in a 200°F oven for about 5 minutes before assembling. This simple step helps them hold their shape better and prevents the sauce from soaking in too quickly.

It’s a tiny extra step that makes a huge difference in texture, and it means your sliders stay together beautifully instead of falling apart when someone picks them up. My family thinks I’m a slider genius, but really, it’s just this one little trick!

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Prevent soggy bottoms – Spread a very thin layer of softened butter on the bottom buns before adding sauce as a moisture barrier
• Make them extra crispy – Skip the foil entirely and bake uncovered at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for crunchier tops
• Slice smarter – Use kitchen shears instead of a knife to separate the baked sliders—it’s faster and creates cleaner cuts
• Avoid cheese overflow – Keep cheese about ¼ inch away from the edges so it doesn’t spill out and burn in the pan
• Batch cooking trick – Double the recipe and bake in two pans simultaneously; freeze one pan before baking for an easy make-ahead meal
• Common mistake to avoid – Don’t use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it; freshly shredded melts better because it doesn’t have anti-caking agents

Flavor Variations & Suggestions

These sliders are wonderfully versatile and practically beg for creative customization. Try a Supreme Pizza version by adding cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, and onions along with the pepperoni.

For a Meat Lover’s twist, layer in cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, and diced ham. If you’re feeding vegetarians, skip the pepperoni and load up on roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts for a Veggie Delight.

Want something a little fancier? Make Margherita Sliders with fresh mozzarella slices, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. For picky eaters or kids, you can keep it super simple with just cheese and sauce—no judgment, just deliciousness.

You can even swap the pizza sauce for Alfredo or pesto for a completely different flavor profile. The garlic butter topping is also flexible—try adding fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a tablespoon of grated Parmesan mixed right into the butter for extra richness.

Make-Ahead Options

These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are fantastic for meal prep and busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance—just layer everything as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then brush with the butter topping and bake as directed, adding 3 to 5 extra minutes since they’re starting cold.

For longer storage, assemble the sliders completely but don’t add the butter topping. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let come to room temperature, brush with freshly made butter topping, and bake as directed.

You can also bake them fully, let cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped sliders in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’re still absolutely delicious and so convenient for grab-and-go lunches or quick snacks.

What to Serve With Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

These sliders are hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but they shine even brighter with the right accompaniments. A crisp Caesar salad or simple garden salad with Italian dressing balances the richness perfectly and adds a fresh element.

For a more casual spread, serve them alongside crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or potato chips—the salty crunch pairs wonderfully. If you’re hosting a party or game day gathering, add a veggie tray with ranch dip, some mozzarella sticks, or buffalo wings to round out your appetizer spread.

For drinks, keep it classic with cold soda, iced tea, or lemonade. Beer lovers will appreciate a light lager or pale ale. And for dessert, keep things simple and fun with brownies, cookies, or a big bowl of popcorn for movie night.

These sliders also work beautifully as part of a soup-and-sandwich combo—try them with tomato soup or minestrone for dipping. The best part is that they’re so satisfying, you really don’t need much else to make it a complete, comforting meal.

Allergy Information

These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders contain several common allergens including gluten (in the buns), dairy (cheese and butter), and potentially soy (in some processed pepperoni).

For gluten-free guests, substitute with gluten-free slider buns or rolls—just note that they may not hold together quite as well, so go easy on the sauce. To make them dairy-free, use plant-based mozzarella shreds, dairy-free Parmesan, and replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter in the topping. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

For vegetarian versions, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with plant-based pepperoni alternatives that are now widely available. If anyone has a garlic sensitivity, you can skip the garlic powder in the butter topping and still have wonderful results—just add a bit more Italian seasoning.

Always check your pizza sauce label, as some brands contain added sugar, MSG, or other ingredients that certain people may need to avoid. Making these allergy-friendly is definitely doable with the right substitutions, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They lose a bit of their crispy texture but still taste wonderful.

To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through—this method helps restore some of that golden, crispy top. For a quicker option, microwave individual sliders for 30 to 45 seconds, though the buns will be softer.

If you want to freeze cooked sliders, wrap each one individually in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, still wrapped in foil, then unwrap for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tops.

One helpful tip: if the tops get too brown during reheating, tent them loosely with foil. These sliders are honestly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they’re still plenty delicious the next day—perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack.

Questions I Get Asked A Lot

Can I use a different type of bread instead of slider buns?

Absolutely! Dinner rolls, brioche buns, or even a large baguette sliced horizontally and then cut into sections all work wonderfully. Just adjust your baking time slightly depending on the thickness of the bread—thicker breads may need a few extra minutes.

My cheese isn’t melting evenly—what am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the oven temperature is too low or the sliders aren’t covered with foil during the first part of baking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F, and always cover with foil for those first 12 to 15 minutes to trap the heat and create steam that helps the cheese melt beautifully.

Can I make these without pepperoni for picky eaters?

Of course! These are delicious as simple cheese sliders. You can also try substituting diced cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey for the pepperoni. Just make sure any meat you add is fully cooked before assembling.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

The key is using just a thin layer of sauce and making sure your buns are at room temperature or slightly warm before assembling. You can also lightly toast the cut sides of the buns in a skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes before adding toppings—this creates a slight barrier against moisture.

Can I add more vegetables without making them soggy?

Yes, but vegetables with high water content need special treatment. Sauté mushrooms, peppers, and onions first to cook out excess moisture, or roast them until slightly dried out. Pat any wet vegetables thoroughly with paper towels before adding them to your sliders.

💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! I’d love to hear how your Pepperoni Pizza Sliders turned out and any creative variations you tried.