Pizza sliders made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite. These little sliders are packed with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and a flavorful pizza sauce that perfectly complements the slightly sweet bread. They’re easy to make and always a hit for kids and adults alike.
I love making these sliders when I need a quick snack or a casual meal that everyone enjoys. It’s so simple to pop them in the oven and have warm, gooey mini pizzas ready in no time. One tip I’ve learned is to press down gently on the slider stack before baking to help all the layers stick together and get extra cheesy.
We often serve these sliders at parties or family get-togethers because they’re easy to share and super comforting. I like to pair them with a crisp side salad or some crunchy veggies for a little balance. These sliders always bring smiles and make the meal feel a little more special—plus, they’re just plain delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Rolls: These give the sliders a soft, slightly sweet base that balances the savory toppings. If you prefer less sweetness, try plain slider buns or dinner rolls instead.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or marinara. If you want a milder taste, tomato sauce with a pinch of Italian herbs works well too.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds great flavor and spice. For a vegetarian option, use sliced mushrooms, olives, or roasted peppers instead.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that gooey pizza feel. You can mix in cheddar or provolone for extra flavor if you like.
Butter & Seasonings: Brushing with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian herbs helps the top brown nicely and adds flavor. Olive oil can substitute, but butter gives the best rich taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Melty Cheese & Golden Topped Sliders?
The key to these sliders is making sure the cheese melts evenly without drying out the rolls or burning the top. Here’s how:
- Press the rolls together gently after layering the toppings to keep everything in place.
- Brush the butter-herb mixture evenly over the top to help the bread brown and add flavor.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C), which is hot enough to melt cheese and warm the sandwiches through, but not so hot that the tops burn quickly.
- Watch the sliders after 15 minutes and remove them once the cheese is melted and the tops look golden brown.
- Let them rest a few minutes before cutting. This helps the melted cheese set just enough to keep the sliders neat when serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the slider sandwich while it bakes evenly in the oven.
- Small mixing bowl – to mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning easily.
- Basting brush – helps spread the buttery herb mixture smoothly over the roll tops for a golden crust.
- Sharp knife – needed to slice the entire pack of rolls cleanly in half and cut the sliders apart after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham for a different meaty flavor.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese to add a sharper, richer taste.
- Add chopped green bell peppers or mushrooms beneath the cheese for extra veggies and texture.
- Try sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes on the butter mixture for a little kick of heat.
How to Make Pizza Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (whole pack)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have delicious, melty pizza sliders ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rolls and Layer the Sliders:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the whole pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have a top and bottom layer. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom layer. Next, place the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Add the Top and Season:
Gently place the top layer of the rolls over the cheese. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Use a brush to spread this buttery mixture evenly over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Bake and Serve:
Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut between the rolls to separate the sliders. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy while warm!
Can I Make These Pizza Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I Use Frozen Hawaiian Rolls?
Absolutely—just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature before slicing and assembling. This helps prevent tearing and ensures even baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, turkey pepperoni, or vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie-friendly option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy and melty.
