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Pizza Sliders with Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, and Mozzarella Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

These Pizza Sliders are a deliciously cheesy and savory treat perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. Made with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian sweet rolls and topped with a buttery garlic and Parmesan crust, they bake to golden perfection in just 35 minutes. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

Sausage Mixture

  • 6 ounces Italian sausage

Sliders

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (or slider rolls)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (can use marinara sauce, divided)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 24 pepperoni slices (or as preferred)

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Dash crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Optional for Serving

  • Extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, stirring occasionally, until it is browned thoroughly and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
  3. Prepare Rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise. Do not separate the tops from the bottoms; keep them connected as one unit to make assembling easier.
  4. Assemble Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the connected rolls in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce over the rolls, ensuring full coverage for flavor.
  5. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Layer the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese, followed by the cooked Italian sausage. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top to cover the toppings.
  6. Add Top Layer: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on the inside cut side of the roll tops. Carefully place the tops onto the cheese-covered bottoms, creating a large sandwich.
  7. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
  8. Apply Topping and Bake: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese inside has melted completely. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to brown lightly and become crisp.
  9. Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them sit for a minute. Slice into individual sliders using a sharp knife. Serve immediately with extra pizza or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use Hawaiian sweet rolls for a nice soft and slightly sweet bite that complements the savory fillings beautifully.
  • You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the garlic butter mixture.
  • Keep the rolls connected when slicing to make assembly and serving easier.
  • These sliders can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
  • Feel free to add other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, olives, or green peppers for variety.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/pizza-sliders-with-italian-sausage-pepperoni-and-mozzarella-recipe/