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Pizza Sliders Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Pizza sliders are miniature Italian-inspired sandwiches that bring the flavors of classic pizza into an easy-to-eat handheld format. These soft, pillowy rolls are filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a savory tomato-based sauce, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as appetizers, party food, or a casual main course, pizza sliders deliver authentic pizza satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

• 24 small dinner rolls (about 900g total)
• 200g whole milk mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• 150g pepperoni slices
• 180ml marinara sauce
• 30g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 15ml olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5g dried oregano
• 3g red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3g salt
• 2g black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice each dinner roll in half horizontally, creating 24 slider bases and tops. Arrange the bottom halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2cm apart.

3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Brush the olive oil over the cut surfaces of each roll bottom.

4. Spread approximately 7-8ml of marinara sauce onto each roll bottom, leaving a 5mm border around the edges.

5. Layer one slice of mozzarella onto each sauce-covered roll, followed by 2-3 pepperoni slices, then add another thin mozzarella slice on top.

6. Sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese over each slider, then carefully place the roll tops onto the filled bottoms, pressing gently.

7. Bake for 16-18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling at the edges.

8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.

Substitutions

• Use fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) instead of sliced mozzarella for a creamier texture
• Replace pepperoni with Italian sausage slices or roasted red peppers for vegetarian variation
• Substitute marinara sauce with pesto or white garlic sauce for different flavor profiles
• Use homemade or store-bought focaccia dough instead of dinner rolls for a more authentic Italian base

Tips

• Do not overfill the rolls—too much sauce and cheese will leak out during baking. Keep fillings to a thin, even layer.
• For extra crispy sliders, brush the tops of the rolls with a little olive oil before baking.
• Prepare the sliders up to 2 hours ahead; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the rolls are warm for the best eating experience.

While pizza sliders are a modern American adaptation, they honor the Italian tradition of creating portable, delicious handheld foods like panini and focaccia sandwiches. This recipe combines the essence of Neapolitan pizza—simple, quality ingredients of mozzarella, tomato, and cured meat—in a format that reflects contemporary entertaining styles.

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