Get ready to treat yourself because this Pizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe is about to become your new favorite quick bite. Imagine soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls layered with rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, salty pepperoni, and just the right kick of hot honey drizzled on top. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making these sliders irresistible party starters or a fun weeknight snack. Once you try this combo, you’ll understand why it’s a total game-changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple classics, but each one plays a pivotal role. From the tender sweetness of Hawaiian rolls to the bold flavors of pepperoni and hot honey, every bite bursts with contrast and harmony. Let’s break down the essentials that make this pizza slider magic happen.
- Original Kings Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet buns that create the perfect base for every layer.
- Marinara Sauce: A robust, tangy tomato sauce that brings moisture and flavor depth.
- Low moisture Mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully, giving that classic pizza stretch.
- Fresh Mozzarella (hand torn): Adds creamy, tender pockets that elevate texture.
- Pepperoni Cups: Crispy, spicy slices that pack each slider with boldness.
- Hot Honey: Sweet heat that adds an unexpected, addictive twist.
- Salted Butter (melted): Infuses richness and helps crisp the top buns.
- Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for an aromatic, savory finish.
- Parmesan (grated): Sharp and nutty, enhancing every savory note.
- Garlic (chopped): Provides pungent warmth for that extra flavor kick.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, spray the bottom of a baking dish generously with nonstick spray. This ensures your sliders don’t stick and come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Buns
Slice apart the Hawaiian rolls and place the bottom halves snugly into the baking dish. These soft buns form the canvas for all the delicious layers, so press them tightly to hug the fillings later on.
Step 3: Layer with Marinara and Cheese
Spread a hearty layer of marinara sauce over the bottom buns, then sprinkle the shredded low moisture mozzarella evenly. Scatter the hand-torn fresh mozzarella over that for dreamy pockets of melty goodness.
Step 4: Add the Pepperoni Cups
Now it’s time for the stars of the show—pepperoni! Arrange the pepperoni cups on top in a single, solid layer. These little warriors will crisp up beautifully and add a punch of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake the sliders for 20 minutes. This lets the cheese melt, the pepperoni crisp up, and the rolls soak up all those saucy, cheesy flavors.
Step 6: Prepare the Italian Butter Mixture
While the sliders bake, stir together melted butter, chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. This savory blend will be brushed over the top to create a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 7: Add Hot Honey and Top Buns
Once the bottom halves are baked and the pepperoni is delightfully crisp, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey over the cheesy, pepperoni layer—it’s the perfect sweet and spicy kick! Then, place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over everything.
Step 8: Brush with Italian Butter and Final Bake
Pour the Italian butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns, brushing to coat every roll. Pop the sliders back into the oven for another 10 minutes to toast the tops to golden perfection.
Step 9: Let Them Rest and Serve
When the top buns are crispy and buttery, take the sliders out and let them rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps all the flavors marry beautifully before you dig in.
How to Serve Pizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top before serving to add a burst of freshness and vibrant color. A little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also dial up the flavor if you want more zing.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar or a crunchy slaw to balance the richness. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or crispy fries are irresistible companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pizza sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe at your next gathering. You can slice them into individual portions or serve them whole to let guests pull apart their favorites. Pair with small bowls of extra hot honey or marinara dipping sauce for added fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza sliders keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil to maintain moisture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the assembled sliders before baking by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the tops regain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the buns from turning soggy and the pepperoni deliciously crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While low moisture and fresh mozzarella give the most authentic pizza vibe, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind the melting qualities for the best texture.
What if I don’t like spicy flavors? Can I skip the hot honey?
Definitely. If spicy-sweet isn’t your thing, omit the hot honey or replace it with a mild honey or even a little maple syrup. The sliders will still be fantastic and flavorful without the heat.
Are these sliders suitable for a crowd?
Yes! This Pizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe scales up very easily. Just multiply the ingredients and use larger baking dishes. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the pepperoni for vegetarian-friendly toppings like sliced mushrooms, olives, roasted peppers, or artichoke hearts. The cheese and hot honey combo will keep every bite deliciously satisfying.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the sliders?
Reheating in the oven at a moderate temperature is key to maintaining moisture. Cover loosely with foil for the first half of reheating, then remove it to crisp up the top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make bread chewy or soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe is a fantastic way to bring excitement and comfort to your table in less than an hour. The combination of flavors and textures makes for an unforgettable snack or meal that everyone will talk about. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for these sliders again and again, sharing them with friends and family. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want handwritten in your collection forever!
PrintPizza Sliders with Pepperoni & Hot Honey Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Sliders featuring soft Original Kings Hawaiian Rolls layered with marinara sauce, a blend of low moisture and fresh mozzarella cheeses, crispy pepperoni cups, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Finished with a flavorful Italian butter topping and baked to golden perfection, these sliders make a perfect party appetizer or a fun meal for family and friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 pack Original Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 heaping cup Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Low moisture Mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mozzarella, hand torn
- 2.5 oz Pepperoni Cups
- 3 tbsp Hot Honey
Italian Butter Topping
- 1/2 stick Salted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray the bottom of a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls evenly in the dish.
- Add Toppings: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the rolls, then sprinkle shredded low moisture mozzarella and layer torn fresh mozzarella on top. Finish with a solid layer of pepperoni cups.
- Bake Bottom Layer: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and pepperoni to crisp.
- Make Italian Butter: While baking, stir together melted butter, chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Remove Bottom Buns: After 20 minutes, take the baking dish out. The pepperoni should be crisp, and the cheese melted.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Drizzle hot honey evenly over the baked bottom buns and toppings for a perfect sweet-spicy balance.
- Add Top Buns: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the bottom layer.
- Brush Italian Butter: Pour the prepared Italian butter mixture on top of the buns and brush evenly to coat each slider bun thoroughly.
- Bake Again: Return the sliders to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the tops and allow flavors to meld.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and ease handling.
Notes
- Using both low moisture and fresh mozzarella provides a great balance of meltiness and creaminess.
- Drizzling hot honey adds a wonderful sweet heat that complements the savory flavors.
- Letting the sliders rest improves flavor melding and makes them easier to serve.
- You can substitute pepperoni cups with regular sliced pepperoni if preferred.
- Nonstick spray ensures easy cleanup and prevents buns from sticking to the dish.