Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders (Perfect Party Food) – Easy, Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser

These Hawaiian roll pizza sliders hit that sweet spot between comfort food and party snack. They’re warm, cheesy, and shareable, with a buttery, garlicky topping that makes the edges crisp and golden. You can bake a whole tray in under 30 minutes, and they disappear even faster.

They’re kid-friendly, game-day ready, and endlessly customizable. If you want a stress-free appetizer that everyone will love, this is it.

Why This Recipe Works

• One-pan convenience: You build and bake everything as a sheet, then slice. It’s quick and mess-free.
• Soft, sweet rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce and toppings.
• Buttery topping: A simple butter-garlic mix soaks into the rolls and crisps the tops for amazing texture.
• Flexible fillings: Pepperoni is classic, but you can use sausage, veggies, or even make it meatless.
• Great for groups: The sliders pull apart easily, so they’re perfect for potlucks, parties, and movie nights.

What You’ll Need

• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups pizza sauce or marinara
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20–30 slices pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richer topping)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Nonstick spray or a little butter for the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. Slice the rolls: Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Keep the tops intact for easier assembly.
3. Build the base: Place the bottom half in your baking dish. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the surface.Aim for even coverage without soaking the bread.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the sauce. This helps anchor the toppings and keeps everything melty.
5. Layer toppings: Arrange pepperoni (or your chosen toppings) evenly. Avoid piling too high so the sliders stay easy to slice and eat.
6. More cheese: Add the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.Cheese on both sides helps the sliders hold together.
7. Cap with the tops: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese and press gently to set.
8. Make the buttery topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
9. Brush generously: Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, letting some drip down the sides. Use it all for maximum flavor.
10. Cover and bake: Cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melty.
11. Uncover and crisp: Remove the foil and bake another 5–7 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
12. Rest and garnish: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes so they slice cleanly.Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley if you like.
13. Slice and serve: Use a serrated knife to cut along the roll lines into 12 sliders. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. For a quick option, microwave 20–30 seconds, then crisp in a skillet for 1–2 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap individual sliders tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag.Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 20–25 minutes.
• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 6 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Brush with the butter mixture just before baking.

Health Benefits

• Portion control built-in: Sliders make it easy to stick to 1–2 pieces, which helps manage calories.
• Protein and calcium: Cheese provides protein and calcium for bone health and satiety.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach add fiber, vitamins, and texture.
• Smart swaps: Use part-skim mozzarella, lean turkey pepperoni, and a lower-sugar marinara to lighten things up.
• Balanced plate: Pair sliders with a big salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Soggy bottoms: Too much sauce can soak the bread.Spread a thin, even layer and avoid watery toppings.
• Uneven melting: Overstuffing leads to sliding fillings. Keep layers balanced and compact.
• Burnt tops: Always cover with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown.
• Watery veggies: If using mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes, sauté or pat dry first to remove moisture.
• Overbaking: The rolls can dry out. Pull them once the tops are golden and the cheese is clearly melted.

Variations You Can Try

• Supreme: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and black olives.
• Margherita style: Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices (patted dry), basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• BBQ chicken: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, add shredded cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella-cheddar blend.
• Veggie lover’s: Mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichokes with a sprinkle of feta.
• Hawaiian twist: Ham and pineapple tidbits (well-drained) with mozzarella and a touch of red pepper flakes.
• Spicy peperoncini: Pepperoni, sliced peperoncini, and extra oregano for a zesty kick.
• Pesto base: Use pesto instead of red sauce, then add mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes.

Brioche or soft dinner rolls work well, but Hawaiian rolls add a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with savory toppings.

What cheese melts best for sliders?

Mozzarella is classic for stretch and melt. You can mix in provolone for flavor or add a bit of cheddar for sharpness.

Do I need to toast the bottom layer first?

Not usually. If your sauce is thin, you can lightly brush the bottom with butter and bake for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings to create a barrier.

How do I keep the sliders from falling apart?

Press layers gently as you build, don’t overfill, and let the baked sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife.

What’s the best way to make them spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the butter topping, use spicy pepperoni, or layer in sliced jalapeños or Calabrian chiles.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes.

Use gluten-free rolls and confirm your sauce and toppings are gluten-free. Baking time stays the same.

How many sliders per person?

Plan on 2 sliders per person for appetizers, 3–4 for a main dish with a side salad.

Can I assemble the night before?

It’s better the same day to avoid sogginess. If needed, assemble up to 6 hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge.

Brush with butter mixture just before baking.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian roll pizza sliders are simple, satisfying, and built for sharing. With a soft, sweet base, gooey cheese, and a garlicky, buttery top, they deliver big pizza flavor with minimal effort. Keep the ingredients on hand, switch up the toppings, and you’ve got a reliable party staple any night of the week.

Once you make them, they’ll become your go-to for game days, potlucks, and easy weeknight wins. Enjoy them hot, with extra sauce for dipping, and watch the tray disappear.