Name: Pizza Sliders
Ingredients: 12 count package Hawaiian rolls; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (divided into 1 cup and 1 1/4 cup); ¾ cup pizza sauce; 20 slices deli-style dry-cured pepperoni; ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Description

These Pizza Sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion! Soft Hawaiian rolls are filled with layers of gooey melted mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and slices of flavorful pepperoni, then topped with a buttery Parmesan and Italian seasoning glaze for an irresistible finish. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these sliders are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Ingredients

12 count package Hawaiian rolls
2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (divided into 1 cup and 1 1/4 cup)
¾ cup pizza sauce
20 slices deli-style dry-cured pepperoni
⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Prepare the Rolls
Keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice the rolls in half horizontally. Remove the top row of the connected buns and set it aside.
Layer the Bottom Buns
Place the bottom row of connected buns in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add Mozzarella
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the bottom buns.
Spread the Pizza Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the mozzarella.
Add Pepperoni
Layer 5 rows of 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the pizza sauce.
Top with More Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top of the pepperoni.
Top Buns Placement
Lay the top row of connected buns on top of the shredded mozzarella.
Brush with Butter
Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter over the top of the buns.
Add Parmesan and Italian Seasoning
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the melted butter. Then, sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the grated Parmesan.
Bake the Sliders
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully slice the rows to release the individual slider sandwiches. Serve while hot.

Notes

Serving Tips:

1. 1. Serve Fresh and Hot
    Pizza sliders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey, and the buns are perfectly warm. Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes after baking to avoid burning, but serve them while they are still hot.
  2. Garnish Options
    Consider garnishing the sliders with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor and color. You can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
  3. Serving Platter
    For a party or gathering, arrange the sliders on a large serving platter or tray. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Provide small plates and napkins for convenience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration
  If you have leftovers, allow the sliders to cool completely before storing. Place the sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing
  For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza sliders. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Reheating
  To reheat refrigerated sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. For a quicker option, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but the buns may become a bit softer.
4. Avoid Sogginess
  If you plan to store sliders for later, it’s best to avoid adding too much pizza sauce initially, as it can make the buns soggy when reheated. You can serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.