Next, it’s time to assemble! In a mixing bowl, I take my slider rolls and slice the whole batch in half, creating tops and bottoms. I put the bottom halves into the greased baking dish. Then, I layer half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by the sausage and sauce mixture, pepperoni, and the remaining cheese. Finally, I place the slider tops on, squeeze them down a bit, and set that aside for a moment.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This buttery mixture gets brushed generously over the tops of the slider rolls just before baking them. I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the sliders moist, and then they bake for about 15 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and deliciously bubbly on top. Your neighbors might just start knocking on your door as the aroma wafts through the air!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first started making Pizza Sliders, I tried different types of bread, and let me tell you, Hawaiian rolls win every single time! The slight sweetness pairs so well with the savory sausage and gooey cheese. I also recommend letting your sausage mixture cool slightly before layering it on the rolls. This prevents the bread from getting overly soggy, giving you that perfect texture in every bite.
Another tip I discovered is to not skimp on the cheese. Seriously, the more, the merrier! And always try to sprinkle a bit of extra mozzarella on top before baking; you would not believe how beautifully it melts and pulls when you take that first bite. Additionally, I’ve found that adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can option up the sliders if you like a little heat!
Lastly, if you’re serving kids, I like to set out a small bowl of marinara on the side for dipping. It enhances the pizza experience, and honestly, who doesn’t love to dunk their food?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was overcooking the sausage. It’s important to cook it just enough to brown it and mix it with the sauce. Overcooked sausage can become dry, and nobody wants that in their sliders! So, keep an eye on it while it cooks, and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s browned and delicious. (See the next page below to continue…)