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Cheesy pizza sliders hawaiian rolls featuring a moisture barrier for a perfectly crisp, non-soggy crust.

Pizza Sliders Hawaiian Rolls

Rebecca Blumer
A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with a moisture-blocking cheese barrier, zesty marinara, and pepperoni, finished with a savory garlic-Parmesan butter glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting time 1 minute
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Serrated Knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Aluminum Foil

Ingredients
 

  • 1 package Hawaiian Rolls
  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 3 ounces pepperoni
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

Prep the rolls and oven

  • Heat the oven to 375°F, and set a rimmed baking sheet nearby so any butter stays contained.
  • Keep the rolls connected, then use a long serrated knife to slice the whole slab horizontally, aiming for an even cut so the tops sit flat and the bottoms stay sturdy.

Build the moisture barrier and layers

  • Place the bottom sheet of rolls on the baking sheet, then lay down your moisture barrier first, a single layer of cheese across the bottom bun, so the sauce cannot soak in.
  • Spoon on the marinara or pizza sauce in an even, thin layer, then add the pepperoni, and finish with the shredded mozzarella so it melts into a bubbly blanket.
  • Set the top sheet of rolls back on, and press very gently so everything settles without squishing the fillings out the sides.

Glaze and bake

  • Stir the melted butter with the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano, then brush it generously over the tops, letting it drip into the creases.
  • Bake for 12 minutes at 375°F, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the rolls darken too quickly, rest a loose tent of aluminum foil over the pan.

Slice and serve

  • Let the pan sit for one minute so the cheese sets slightly, then cut between the rolls and serve warm while the centers are still stretchy.

Notes

Safety Tip: Watch the oven closely during the final minutes because the sugar content in Hawaiian rolls can cause them to go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Technique Tip: Always apply a layer of cheese directly to the bottom bun before adding sauce. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps the bread from becoming soggy.
Storage Tip: For leftovers, avoid using the microwave as it makes the bread chewy. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350 degrees F to restore the crispy top.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 11gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 145mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword pizza sliders hawaiian rolls
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