Pizza Sliders

Introduction:

Satisfy your pizza cravings in a fun and portable way with Pizza Sliders! These mini sandwiches pack all the delicious flavors of pizza into bite-sized portions, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight dinner. With layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, tangy sauce, and soft bread, Pizza Sliders are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Discover how to make these irresistible treats and bring a taste of Italy to your next gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian rolls
• 1/2 cup (stick, 57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese
• 48 slices pepperoni
• 1/2 cup (193g) pizza sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
3. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating them and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
4. Layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese over the bottom half of the rolls. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
5. Spread the pizza sauce over the pepperoni, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.
6. Place the top half of the rolls on top and brush the melted butter mixture over the rolls.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8. Slice into individual sliders and serve hot.
9. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
10. Kcal: 187 kcal | Servings: 12 sliders

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot and Fresh: Pizza Sliders are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them immediately after baking to ensure the cheese is gooey and the bread is soft and flavorful.
2. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, garnish the Pizza Sliders with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. This simple touch enhances the presentation and adds a hint of freshness to each bite.
3. Offer Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli on the side for dipping. These sauces complement the flavors of the sliders and offer additional customization for your guests.
4. Serve with Side Salad: Accompany the Pizza Sliders with a simple side salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory sliders and adds nutritional balance to the meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover Pizza Sliders, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 2-3 days.
2. Reheat Before Serving: To reheat Pizza Sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Pizza Sliders can also be frozen for longer storage. Individually wrap the cooled sliders in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven as directed above.

FAQs:

1. Can I customize the toppings in Pizza Sliders? Absolutely! Pizza Sliders are highly versatile, and you can customize the toppings according to your preferences. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.
2. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. While mozzarella cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, you can also use cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor complexity.
3. Can I make Pizza Sliders in advance for a party? Yes, Pizza Sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
4. Can I use different types of bread for the sliders? While slider buns are commonly used for Pizza Sliders due to their convenient size and shape, you can certainly use other types of bread such as dinner rolls, Hawaiian sweet rolls, or even sliced Italian bread. Just ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings and withstand baking.
5. How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy? To prevent the sliders from becoming soggy, ensure that the bottom layer of bread is spread evenly with pizza sauce and topped with a generous layer of cheese. Additionally, you can lightly toast the bottom halves of the slider buns before assembling to create a barrier that helps absorb moisture.

Conclusion:

Pizza Sliders are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family movie night, or looking for a quick dinner idea, these mini sandwiches are sure to please. With their gooey cheese, savory toppings, and buttery garlic crust, Pizza Sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try them out for your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!