Game Day Cheesy Pizza Sliders

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

These pizza sliders combine Hawaiian rolls with classic pizza toppings and a garlic parmesan butter topping for an easy, crowd-pleasing party snack.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:17:11 GMT
A wooden platter holds several rectangular pieces of cheesy pepperoni pizza topped with black olives and green onions. Pin it
A wooden platter holds several rectangular pieces of cheesy pepperoni pizza topped with black olives and green onions. | recipesbyclare.com

These Cheesy Pizza Sliders started as a quick solution for movie night but turned into our family's most beloved recipe. That moment when those soft Hawaiian rolls filled with layers of cheese and pepperoni hit the oven creates pure magic in our kitchen. Now the aroma of garlic butter and melting mozzarella brings everyone running even my teenager who usually needs three calls for dinner.

Kitchen Memories

Every time I make these sliders something special happens in our kitchen. The way each layer comes together creating little pockets of pizza perfection makes everyone gather around the oven in anticipation. My daughter loves helping arrange the pepperoni saying it's like putting together a delicious puzzle. Even my picky nephew asks for seconds.

Starting With Quality

  • Fresh Rolls: Hawaiian sweet rolls make all the difference.
  • Real Cheese: Fresh mozzarella grated just before using.
  • Good Pepperoni: Sliced thin from our local deli.
  • Rich Butter: The European kind for that perfect garlic topping.
  • Fresh Herbs: From my windowsill garden.

The Perfect Start

Preparing these sliders has become my peaceful moment in the kitchen. Carefully slicing those rolls in one piece keeping them connected for the perfect pull-apart texture. Each layer gets spread with love making sure every bite will be equally delicious.

Building Layers

Creating the layers is like painting a delicious masterpiece. First that rich pizza sauce then perfectly arranged cheese and pepperoni. My son always tries to sneak extra pieces of cheese claiming they'll make the sliders even better.

A plate of layered cheesy sandwiches topped with sliced olives and jalapeños. Pin it
A plate of layered cheesy sandwiches topped with sliced olives and jalapeños. | recipesbyclare.com

The Magic Touch

Brushing on that garlic butter topping feels like adding the finishing touches to a work of art. The way it seeps into the nooks and crannies promises golden crispy tops. My kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma.

Baking Time

Those minutes of baking feel like forever as the cheese melts and the tops turn golden. Everyone finds reasons to walk through the kitchen checking on their progress. The anticipation builds with every passing minute.

Game Day Favorites

These sliders have become our game day tradition. Friends know to arrive early if they want the first batch warm from the oven. They disappear so quickly I always make a double batch now.

Perfect for Sharing

Watching people pull apart their first slider brings such joy. That perfect cheese pull moment never gets old. Conversations flow easily around platters of these warm cheesy bites.

Family Fun

Making these together has become quality family time. Everyone has a job from grating cheese to arranging pepperoni. These simple moments in the kitchen create lasting memories.

A close-up of a plate featuring cheesy, baked sandwich halves topped with sliced tomatoes, black olives, and green jalapeños. Pin it
A close-up of a plate featuring cheesy, baked sandwich halves topped with sliced tomatoes, black olives, and green jalapeños. | recipesbyclare.com

Making Memories

Teaching my children to make these sliders has created precious kitchen moments. My daughter has mastered the perfect garlic butter brush stroke while my son is the official cheese layer. Even the littlest ones help by counting out pepperoni slices. These moments of cooking together are priceless.

Weekend Traditions

Saturday movie nights have become extra special with these sliders. Everyone gathers on the couch with napkins ready waiting for that first perfectly warm bite. Sometimes we make different variations but the original recipe remains the family favorite.

Party Perfect

These sliders have starred at countless gatherings from birthday parties to holiday celebrations. Friends always ask for the recipe amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible. The empty platter at the end of every party tells the whole story.

Kitchen Shortcuts

Over time I've discovered little tricks that make these even better. Like grating the cheese while the oven preheats or having the kids arrange pepperoni while I mix the garlic butter. These small efficiencies make preparation flow smoothly.

Seasonal Changes

We adapt the recipe through the seasons. Summer brings fresh basil from the garden while winter sees us adding heartier herbs. Each variation brings its own special touch to our family table.

A close-up of layered pizza slices topped with marinara sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and garnished with green jalapeños and black olives. Pin it
A close-up of layered pizza slices topped with marinara sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and garnished with green jalapeños and black olives. | recipesbyclare.com

Always Learning

Every batch teaches us something new. Maybe it's a different cheese combination or a new topping idea. The kitchen remains our favorite classroom where delicious lessons are always in session.

Creating Joy

Nothing beats seeing someone try these sliders for the first time. Their eyes light up at that first cheesy bite. Food has this wonderful way of bringing people together creating moments of pure joy.

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most happiness. These sliders prove that good food doesn't need to be complicated to be memorable. They're about bringing comfort and smiles to our table.

Lasting Traditions

These sliders have become part of our family story. They're there for celebrations quiet evenings and everything in between. Each batch carries memories of shared laughter and happy moments.

More Than Just Food

Our Cheesy Pizza Sliders represent more than just a meal. They've become a symbol of family time shared love and the joy of cooking together. Each batch tells a story of gathered moments happy faces and the simple pleasure of breaking bread with those we cherish most.

A platter of sliced pizza sandwiches topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and black olives. Pin it
A platter of sliced pizza sandwiches topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and black olives. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the butter topping just before baking for best results.
→ Can I add other pizza toppings?
Yes, you can customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or Italian sausage. Just avoid wet ingredients that could make the bread soggy.
→ Why use Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet and soft base that complements the savory fillings. Their connected structure also makes assembly easier.
→ How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Layer the cheese before the sauce to create a barrier. Don't use too much sauce, and make sure any toppings are well drained.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and cheese is melty.

Game Day Cheesy Pizza Sliders

Hawaiian roll sliders filled with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, topped with garlic parmesan butter. Perfect party food.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sliders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 package (12-count) King's Hawaiian rolls.
02 3/4 cup pizza sauce.
03 12 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded.
04 24 slices pepperoni.
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
08 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish.

Step 02

Cut entire package of rolls in half horizontally, place bottom half in dish.

Step 03

Add layers of pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, more sauce, and more mozzarella.

Step 04

Place top half of rolls over layers.

Step 05

Mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.

Step 06

Brush butter mixture on top. Cover and bake 15 minutes, then uncover 5-10 minutes until golden.

Notes

  1. Perfect for game day or parties.
  2. Can customize with different toppings.
  3. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Serrated knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, mozzarella, parmesan).
  • Gluten (rolls).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 12 g