Description
Classic pizza sliders offer a miniature twist on traditional Italian-American favorites. Cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce combine perfectly between slider buns for a quick and delightful meal you can enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls)
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) marinara or pizza sauce
- ¼ cup (59 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Position oven rack to center and warm to 375F (190C), lightly mist 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer Foundation: Slice slider buns horizontally while maintaining connection, arrange bottom halves evenly across prepared baking dish.
- Sauce and Cheese Base: Spread marinara sauce uniformly over bun bases, generously distribute half the mozzarella cheese creating a smooth initial layer.
- Protein and Topping Layer: Arrange pepperoni or alternative toppings across cheese surface, sprinkle remaining mozzarella to create complete coverage.
- Top and Season: Replace top bun halves, whisk melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, then lavishly brush mixture over bun surfaces.
- Bake and Melt: Cover dish with aluminum foil, bake for 10 minutes, remove foil and continue baking 10-12 minutes until cheese becomes molten and bun tops transform to golden perfection.
- Finish and Serve: Rest sliders for 5 minutes after removing from oven, slice into individual portions, optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley before presenting.
Notes
- Temperature Control: Monitor oven heat closely to prevent burning; 375F is perfect for even cooking and crispy golden tops.
- Sauce Distribution: Spread marinara sauce evenly to ensure each slider gets consistent flavor and moisture.
- Cheese Layering: Add cheese in two layers for maximum melt and gooey texture, preventing dry or uneven cheese coverage.
- Butter Brushing Technique: Apply garlic butter generously but gently to avoid soggy bun tops; use soft brush for uniform coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg