Irresistible Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer & Weeknight Meal

Get ready to elevate your party snack game or transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredible Hawaiian roll pizza sliders! They are the epitome of quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Imagine fluffy, sweet, and garlicky rolls layered with rich pizza sauce, generously topped with an array of melty cheeses, and adorned with all your favorite pizza toppings. Baked to golden perfection, these sliders promise a burst of flavor in every bite, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

If you’re looking to add a fun and simple twist to your traditional pizza night, these sliders are a fantastic starting point. For more tasty and quick appetizers that capture that irresistible pizza flavor, you might also enjoy crispy air fryer pizza rolls, gooey, cheesy pizza monkey bread, or even this super easy crescent roll pizza. These slider sandwiches are guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

I must admit, I have a slight obsession with sliders. They’re incredibly versatile, adapting perfectly to any meal or gathering. Whether I’m whipping up a batch of savory breakfast sliders for the family on a festive Christmas morning or preparing a large spread of hearty Philly cheesesteak sliders for a game day get-together, they always hit the spot. These pizza sliders, however, hold a special place as one of my absolute favorites. They are bursting with flavor – cheesy, saucy, loaded with savory pepperoni and crumbled Italian sausage, and generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter. These Hawaiian roll sliders are truly a flavor explosion!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pizza Sliders

• Unbeatable Flavor Layers: Every bite of these pizza sliders is a culinary journey. You’ll experience layer upon layer of tangy pizza sauce, succulent meats like pepperoni and juicy Italian sausage, and a glorious blend of three types of cheese, all nestled on sweet, incredibly fluffy Hawaiian rolls. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll be captivated by the irresistible strings of melty cheese, making them utterly addictive.
• Effortlessly Quick & Easy: One of the best aspects of these sliders is how incredibly quick and simple they are to assemble. Forget the fuss of traditional homemade pizza dough; these sliders offer a fantastic time-saving alternative that brings all the classic pizza flavors to your table in a fraction of the time. You can have them ready for the oven in just minutes, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests with minimal stress.
• Endlessly Customizable: While my family often opts for the classic combination of pepperoni and Italian sausage (because we’re truly meat lovers around here!), the beauty of these pizza sliders lies in their adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to customize the toppings to suit any preference or dietary need. Feel free to get creative and draw inspiration from other popular pizza recipes, such as my unique cheeseburger pizza or the zesty taco pizza. I’ll provide even more topping ideas further down in this post to spark your imagination!

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the true joys of these pizza sliders is that you don’t need a lengthy list of ingredients, and there’s absolutely no need to bother with preparing a homemade pizza crust (though I still adore a classic pizza!). Here are some key notes on the ingredients. For a complete list with exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card below.

• Slider Buns: For the best results, I highly recommend using any type of soft, slightly sweet rolls, with Hawaiian rolls being the absolute favorite for their perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. Slider buns typically come in packs of 12. I prefer using pull-apart-style rolls as they bake beautifully together and are easy to serve.
• Pizza Sauce: The foundation of any great pizza, so choose your absolute favorite! A good quality jarred pizza sauce or marinara sauce from the store works wonderfully. You can also use homemade if you have some on hand.
• Provolone Cheese: I love using provolone cheese because it comes conveniently sliced, making layering a breeze. However, feel free to substitute with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese, which also melts beautifully and offers that classic pizza stretch.
• Your Favorite Toppings: This is where you can truly make these sliders your own! For a robust, savory flavor, I typically make meat lovers’ pizza sliders featuring juicy Italian sausage (pre-cooked and crumbled) and thinly sliced pepperoni. Check out the “More Pizza Topping Ideas” section further down the post for endless inspiration.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese adds another dimension of flavor and creaminess. Alternatively, you can use other fantastic melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a little kick, or even Gouda for a richer taste.
• Garlic Butter Topping: This special topping is what takes these sliders from great to extraordinary. It’s a simple blend of melted butter seasoned with pungent garlic powder and aromatic Italian seasoning, finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This butter is brushed over the tops of the rolls before baking, infusing them with incredible flavor and helping them achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pizza Sliders

These pizza sliders are essentially the ultimate party-ready version of a pepperoni pizza grilled cheese, all baked conveniently in a single baking dish. Here are the simple steps to assemble them. For precise, printable instructions, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card.

• Prepare the Bottom Buns: Begin by carefully using a serrated bread knife to slice the entire slab of slider rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish, ensuring they fit snugly. Evenly spread a generous layer of your favorite pizza sauce over these bottom buns.
• Layer the Delicious Fillings: Next, arrange the slices of provolone cheese over the pizza sauce. Follow with a layer of pepperoni slices, ensuring good coverage. Then, sprinkle the crumbled, cooked Italian sausage evenly over the pepperoni. Finally, top everything with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the cut side of the top half of the buns and carefully place them sauce-side-down over the layered fillings.

• Add the Flavorful Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously brush this fragrant garlic butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns. For an extra layer of savory flavor and a golden finish, give the sliders a liberal sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttery tops.
• Bake to Perfection: Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking step ensures that the cheese melts beautifully without the tops of the rolls getting too brown. Once the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to lightly toast the tops of the buns and get that lovely golden hue.
• Serve Hot: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the sliders rest for a minute or two before slicing them into individual servings. Serve these warm, cheesy pizza sliders immediately with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!

Top Recipe Tips for Perfect Sliders

Achieving perfectly gooey, flavorful pizza sliders is easy with a few helpful tips:

• Choose the Right Cheese: For these pull-apart pizza rolls, the best cheeses are those that melt smoothly and offer a mild, complementary flavor profile. Provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar are my top recommendations. They provide that desirable melty stretch and blend wonderfully with various pizza toppings. Don’t forget that final sprinkle of Parmesan on top; it adds a fantastic salty, umami kick and a beautiful golden crust!
• Smart Layering of Toppings: When arranging your fillings, consider the order. If you’re using various toppings beyond just pepperoni and sausage, place lighter, quicker-cooking veggies (like spinach or finely chopped peppers) on top of the cheese or between cheese layers. Heavier, pre-cooked meats like sausage should be spread evenly. If you decide to go with a completely different combination of toppings, you can certainly leave the pepperoni off altogether. Ensure all raw meats and sturdy vegetables are pre-cooked before adding them to the sliders to ensure everything heats through evenly.
• Cover During Initial Bake: This is a crucial step! Baking the sliders covered with aluminum foil for the majority of the cooking time is key to achieving perfectly melted, bubbly cheese without over-browning or drying out the tops of the sweet rolls. The foil traps steam, creating a warm, moist environment for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. Only remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the tops of the rolls to lightly toast and get that appealing golden-brown finish.
• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the buns in half. This ensures a clean cut without squishing the soft rolls.
• Don’t Skimp on the Garlic Butter: The garlic butter brushed over the top of the rolls is essential for flavor and texture. It adds a delicious savory note and helps the tops get beautifully golden and slightly crispy.

Creative Pizza Topping Ideas

Just like a traditional pizza, these sliders offer endless possibilities for customization! The rule of thumb is to pre-cook any raw meat toppings and firmer vegetables before layering them with the sauce and cheese. Then, simply pile them in and bake! Here are just a few of my favorite topping combinations to inspire your next batch of pizza sliders:

• Classic Vegetarian: Embrace the garden with sautéed mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers (any color!), and hearty leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can also get creative with the toppings from my delicious roasted veggie pizza for a truly flavorful plant-based option.
• Tropical Hawaiian: Transport your taste buds to the islands by making Hawaiian pizza sliders! This classic combination features savory leftover cooked ham (diced) and sweet, juicy pineapple chunks. The salty-sweet combo is always a hit!
• Mediterranean Greek: For a fresh and tangy twist, try a Greek-inspired version. Load them up with briny black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. A sprinkle of dried oregano would also be fantastic here.
• Spicy Tex-Mex: Borrow the bold and zesty flavors from a Mexican pizza. Think black beans, seasoned taco meat, sliced jalapeños for a kick, and a drizzle of salsa after baking. You could even add some corn or diced red onion.
• Fiery Buffalo Chicken: Create a delicious mash-up of spicy Buffalo chicken pizza and Hawaiian roll sliders. Use cooked shredded chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, along with some blue cheese crumbles or a ranch drizzle.
• BBQ Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce, a little red onion, and maybe some smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Supreme Sliders: Combine a little bit of everything! Pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives for a truly loaded slider experience.

What to Serve With Pizza Sliders

These versatile pizza sliders are perfect on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate them even further. We love serving our pizza sliders with a cool, creamy side of homemade ranch dressing or extra marinara sauce for dipping – because who can resist more sauce? When serving them as a party appetizer, they shine alongside other easy-to-munch snacks like tender boneless chicken wings, classic bacon-wrapped smokies, and a crowd-pleasing boat dip paired with crunchy homemade tortilla chips or a fresh platter of crudités. If pizza sliders are taking center stage as your weeknight meal (a fantastic alternative to our favorite takeout pizza!), they pair wonderfully with a basket of warm, buttery breadsticks and a crisp, family-style Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While these pizza sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly store and reheat any leftovers. Here’s how to keep them delicious:

• Refrigerate: To keep your leftover pizza sliders fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. After this time, I find that the sauce can start to make the buns a bit soggy, affecting the texture.
• Reheat: The best way to warm up leftover pizza sliders is to place them back in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven, wrapped loosely in foil, for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty once more. If you prefer a slightly crispier bun, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes. Of course, if cold pizza is your guilty pleasure, you can enjoy them straight from the fridge! An air fryer also works wonderfully for reheating, giving the rolls a lovely crispness in just a few minutes.

More Delicious Sliders Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of sliders, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:

• Savory Turkey Sliders
• Tangy Pulled Pork Sliders
• Classic French Dip Sliders
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Ever-Popular Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Pizza Sliders

By
Erin Sellin

These cheesy Hawaiian roll pizza sliders are a fun appetizer or weeknight dinner! They’re quick and easy to make with your family’s favorite pizza toppings.

Prep:
10 minutes mins

Cook:
30 minutes mins

Total:
40 minutes mins

Servings:
6 servings

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Ingredients

• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 9 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F (175ºC). Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish. Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the buns.
   12 slider buns, 1 cup pizza sauce
3. Arrange the provolone cheese slices over the sauce. Layer the sliced pepperoni over the cheese. Sprinkle the cooked Italian sausage over the pepperoni and spread it into an even layer. Finally, top everything with the shredded cheddar cheese.
   6 slices provolone cheese, 4 ounces sliced pepperoni, 9 ounces Italian sausage, 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4. Spread the remaining pizza sauce on the cut side of the top half of the buns, and carefully place them sauce-side-down over the cheese and toppings.
   1 cup pizza sauce
5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered tops.
   3 Tablespoons butter, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops of the buns to lightly brown.
7. Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, then slice into individual sliders. Serve immediately with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Feel free to use any fillings you like! While pepperoni and sausage are fantastic, you can easily swap them for sautéed mushrooms, black olives, diced ham and pineapple for a Hawaiian twist, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings you enjoy. Remember to pre-cook any raw meats or firm vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 697kcal |
Carbohydrates: 37g |
Protein: 29g |
Fat: 48g |
Saturated Fat: 22g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 16g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 114mg |
Sodium: 1254mg |
Potassium: 350mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g |
Vitamin A: 894IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 492mg |
Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
10 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes minutes

Course:
Appetizer, Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6 servings

Calories:
697

Keyword:
pizza sliders, pizza sliders recipe

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