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These indulgent pizza sliders transform Hawaiian sweet rolls into the ultimate party food, combining melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and garlic butter for an irresistible appetizer. Perfect for game days, parties, or feeding hungry teenagers, these sliders deliver all the flavors of pizza in a convenient handheld form. After weeks of testing, I've perfected this recipe to ensure perfectly crispy tops and melty centers without any soggy bottoms.
Last weekend, I made these for a teenage gathering, and they disappeared so quickly I had to make a second batch. The combination of two kinds of cheese with pepperoni and garlic butter creates irresistible sliders that keep people coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls - Keep connected for easy assembly
- Provolone Cheese - Adds buttery, nutty flavor
- Mozzarella Cheese - Creates perfect melty texture
- Pepperoni - Use regular or mini size
- Garlic Butter - Fresh garlic preferred but powder works too
The magic happens when the garlic butter infuses the rolls while the cheese melts around the pepperoni, creating perfect pizza-flavored bites.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Pan
- Line 9x13 pan with foil and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
- Melt butter and combine with minced garlic, red chili flakes, and oregano.
- Step 3: Slice Rolls
- Use serrated knife to slice rolls horizontally, keeping them connected.
- Step 4: Layer Ingredients
- Brush bottom with garlic butter, layer provolone, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
- Step 5: Add Top Layer
- Place top half of rolls on filling, brush with remaining garlic butter.
- Step 6: Bake Covered
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes.
- Step 7: Final Browning
- Uncover and bake 3-5 minutes more until golden brown.
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Entertaining Excellence
These sliders excel at parties because they can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving. The foil-covered baking method ensures the cheese melts perfectly while protecting the tops from over-browning. Having dipping sauce on the side lets guests customize their experience and prevents the dreaded soggy bottom that plagues many slider recipes.
The Secret to Success
After extensive testing, I discovered that keeping the marinara sauce separate for dipping, rather than incorporating it into the sliders, is crucial for maintaining the perfect texture. This method ensures crispy, buttery rolls while still delivering that essential pizza sauce flavor that everyone loves.
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Party Planning Perfect
Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or feeding a crowd of hungry teenagers, these sliders scale easily and can be prepped in advance. Make several batches and keep them warm in a low oven, bringing them out as needed. The aroma alone will draw people to the kitchen!
Chef's Essential Tips
- Keep rolls connected while assembling for easier handling
- Don't skip the foil cover during initial baking
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Warm marinara sauce before serving
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting
This pizza slider recipe has become my go-to for casual entertaining. The combination of familiar pizza flavors in an easy-to-eat format makes them perfect for any gathering.
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Final Tips
- Double recipe for larger crowds
- Prep ahead and bake just before serving
- Offer variety of dipping sauces
- Cut with sharp serrated knife for clean slices
- Keep warm in low oven if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why keep rolls connected?
- Makes assembly easier and helps hold filling.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Best served fresh and warm for melty cheese.
- → Why line pan with foil?
- Prevents cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Yes, any melting cheese works well.
- → Can I add other toppings?
- Yes, customize with your favorite pizza toppings.