Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are the perfect little bites for any pizza lover! They’re mini sandwiches filled with gooey melted cheese, spicy pepperoni slices, and a tasty tomato sauce, all hugged by soft, fluffy slider buns. These sliders bring all the fun of pizza in a smaller, hand-held size that’s great for snacking or serving at parties.
I love making these sliders whenever I want a quick and easy snack that feels like a special treat. They come together really fast, and the combination of warm cheese and pepperoni always makes everyone smile. One tip I have is to let the cheese melt really well so each bite is wonderfully gooey and satisfying. It’s hard not to go back for seconds!
These pepperoni pizza sliders are my go-to when friends come over because everyone loves something they can grab and eat without needing a plate. I like to serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which adds just the right touch of extra flavor. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft rolls are key for a pillowy bite. If you can’t find slider buns, dinner rolls or mini sandwich buns work well, too. For a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns are great substitutes.
Pizza Sauce: Use a good-quality marinara or pizza sauce. If you don’t have either, you can mix canned tomato sauce with garlic and Italian herbs for a quick homemade version.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni gives these sliders their spicy kick. Want a milder taste? Try turkey pepperoni or sliced cooked sausage as a great alternative.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. You can also use part provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. If avoiding dairy, try a plant-based mozzarella substitute.
Butter & Seasoning: Brushing the tops with butter mixed with garlic and Italian herbs adds great flavor and a nice golden color. Olive oil can work here, too, for a lighter touch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Melted Cheese and Golden Tops on Sliders?
The magic is both in covering and uncovering the sliders during baking. Here’s how:
- Cover with foil first and bake for 15 minutes to heat through and let the cheese melt without burning the tops.
- Then, remove the foil and bake 5-7 minutes more. This crisps and browns the buns and finishes melting the cheese to that perfect gooey texture.
- Make sure you brush the butter mixture on top before baking to help browning and add flavor.
- Let the sliders rest for a couple minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly, making them easier to pick up and eat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I use this size so the sliders fit perfectly and bake evenly.
- Sharp knife or bread knife – for slicing buns cleanly without squishing them.
- Brush or spoon – to spread melted butter and seasoning mixture evenly over the buns.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the sliders moist and melts the cheese properly during the first bake.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace pepperoni with cooked sausage, turkey, or ham for different flavors. It’s great for variety and feeding a crowd.
- Add sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or red onion on top of the sauce for extra crunch and flavor.
- Switch cheese to provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy taste.
- Sprinkle dried oregano or red pepper flakes on the top before baking for a spicy or herbaceous kick.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small soft dinner rolls
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 16 oz (450g) sliced pepperoni
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed Italian herbs
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time You’ll Need:
About 25-30 minutes total: 10 minutes prep, 20 minutes baking (including covered and uncovered baking steps), plus a few minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can leave all the buns together in a baking dish or arrange individual sliders on a baking sheet—either way works!
2. Build the Sliders
Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Add 2-3 pepperoni slices on top of the sauce on each slider, then sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. Place the top halves of the buns securely over the filling.
3. Add the Flavorful Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a brush or spoon, coat the tops of the slider buns evenly with this buttery mixture. This will give the sliders a golden, tasty finish when baked.
4. Bake the Sliders
Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, then bake for about 15 minutes. Next, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and the tops to turn golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve warm, along with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Slider Buns?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before assembling to ensure even baking and soft texture.
How Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You can also add extra cheese or a vegetarian sausage substitute.
Can I Prepare Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they’re heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and buns soft.