Pizza sliders made on soft Hawaiian rolls are the perfect little bites that bring together gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings in a perfectly sized sandwich. The sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls add such a nice twist to these sliders, balancing out the savory flavors and making each bite simply irresistible.
I love making these pizza sliders when we have friends over because they’re super easy to assemble and everyone loves grabbing one (or three!) from the tray. A fun tip I like to share is layering plenty of cheese and a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning to give them that classic pizza feel, even though they’re not your typical slice. Plus, using Hawaiian rolls means no need to worry about crusts or lots of mess—it’s all about that soft, melty goodness.
These sliders are also great for a game day snack or a quick weeknight dinner when you want something filling but fuss-free. I usually serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and maybe a simple salad to keep things fresh. Whenever I make them, everyone always asks for the recipe, so I know they’ve hit the sweet spot between tasty and easy to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls add a lovely contrast to the savory pizza flavors. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls or slider buns work well, though the sweetness might be less noticeable.
Pizza Sauce: A good-quality pizza or marinara sauce brings tang and spice. You can swap for tomato sauce mixed with Italian seasoning or even use a pesto sauce for a different twist.
Pepperoni: Classic choice for pizza sliders, but feel free to substitute with cooked sausage, ham, or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms or roasted peppers.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that pizza stretch. Mixing shredded mozzarella with provolone can add extra flavor. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness on top.
Melted Butter & Garlic Powder: Brushing the tops with this mixture helps create a golden, flavorful crust. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil mixed with garlic powder.
How Can I Get the Perfectly Melted Cheese and Soft Buns?
The trick is to bake the sliders covered with foil first and then uncover to brown the tops:
- Start by layering ingredients and covering the sliders with foil to trap heat and melt the cheese gently without drying the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to let the tops get golden and a little crisp without burning.
- Let the sliders cool briefly — this helps the cheese set a bit so it’s less messy when eating.
Brushing the roll tops with the butter and garlic mix before baking also helps keep them moist and tasty. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor and texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet – holds all the sliders together for easy baking and cleanup.
- Sharp knife – to slice the Hawaiian rolls cleanly in half without squishing them.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing melted butter and garlic over the rolls evenly.
- Aluminum foil – covers the sliders during baking to melt cheese without drying out the buns.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or ham for a different pizza meat flavor.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for extra melty texture and flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers between the layers for some veggie crunch.
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for a little heat.
Pizza Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 12 slices pepperoni (or your favorite pizza meat)
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese (or about 1½ cups shredded mozzarella)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes for garnish
Time You’ll Need
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake, so you can have these delicious sliders ready in under 40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, making sure they’re close together.
2. Add the Pizza Layers:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Then layer the pepperoni slices over the sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning on top.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Place the top halves of the rolls back over the layered bottom halves. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder together. Use a pastry brush to spread this mix generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut them apart along the roll seams. Sprinkle with parsley if you like, and serve warm—extra marinara sauce on the side makes a great dip!
Can I Use Frozen Hawaiian Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the rolls completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before assembling the sliders to ensure they bake evenly and don’t stay doughy.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, veggies, or make them vegetarian. Just keep the amount of sauce and cheese the same for best results.
Is It Okay to Use Shredded Cheese Instead of Slices?
Definitely! Shredded mozzarella melts well and is easier to distribute evenly. Just sprinkle about 1½ cups over the pepperoni before adding Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
