If you’re craving a fun, crowd-pleasing snack that mixes sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, the Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These little sliders bring together the irresistible softness of Hawaiian rolls with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and classic pepperoni, all baked to perfection and finished with a buttery, garlicky topping. Perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want a bite-sized burst of pizza joy, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavors. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweet and pillowy Hawaiian rolls to the rich, melty mozzarella and aromatic herbs that top it all off.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: The soft, slightly sweet base that makes these sliders irresistible and balances the savory toppings perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that classic gooey, stretchy pizza cheese texture.
- 36 slices pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory punch that every pizza lover adores.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Brings that familiar, tangy tomato flavor essential for any great pizza dish.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to create a flavorful, golden crust on top, infused with herbs and garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, delicious kick that enhances the buttery topping.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An herby blend that elevates the overall flavor profile and adds a hint of Mediterranean charm.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a burst of herbal brightness before serving.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish—this will ensure your sliders don’t stick and will bake evenly for that perfect finish.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This seasoned butter will be brushed on top of the rolls later, adding a rich aroma and a tasty golden crust that you’ll love.
Step 3: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
Without pulling the rolls apart, carefully slice the entire batch horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish, forming a solid base for your pizza layers.
Step 4: Layer the Pizza Ingredients
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls—it’s your flavorful foundation. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, followed by pepperoni slices to add that signature spicy bite. Top everything with more mozzarella for maximum cheesiness, then gently place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 5: Butter and Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls liberally with your seasoned butter mix. Cover everything with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 15 minutes. This keeps those rolls soft while letting the cheese melt through the layers.
Step 6: Brown the Tops
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and pop the dish back into the oven. Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops get beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling hot. This step adds that irresistible crispy, buttery finish.
Step 7: Add Final Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs over the top. This not only makes the dish look stunning but adds a fresh and savory note that elevates every bite. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit more heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to give a tangy twist.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance out the cheesy goodness. For a more filling meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or your favorite pasta salad for an easy, delightful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation. You could also slice them into individual sliders and secure with toothpicks topped with an olive or cherry tomato for a bite-sized party treat that gets everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually mellow and meld beautifully overnight, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Wrap the prepared but unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh using the same instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the rolls with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to keep them moist and melty. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for this recipe, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of smoked gouda to add a unique flavor twist.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes, skip the pepperoni and add sliced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed version that’s just as tasty.
Can I make these sliders smaller or larger?
You can adjust the size by using fewer or more Hawaiian rolls, but the 12-roll batch fits perfectly in a standard 9×13 baking dish and creates ideal slider-sized portions.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls give this recipe its signature sweet softness, you can substitute with any soft sandwich rolls or slider buns you have on hand.
Is the pizza sauce spicy?
This depends on the brand you choose. If you like more heat, add a little crushed red pepper to the sauce before spreading or choose a spicier pizza sauce variety.
Final Thoughts
The Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug in slider form. Easy to make and utterly addictive, it’s perfect for bringing friends and family together over something casual yet packed with flavor. I couldn’t recommend it enough, so grab those Hawaiian rolls and get ready for a bite of pure pizza happiness.
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (1 roll per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Hawaiian Rolls are a deliciously easy and fun twist on classic pizza. Featuring soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and a buttery seasoned topping, this handheld snack is perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family meal. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs, these rolls combine the best flavors of pizza into a convenient slider form.
Ingredients
Rolls and Cheese
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 36 slices pepperoni
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful topping for the rolls.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally but keep the individual rolls connected. Place the bottom half flat into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the bottom half of the rolls. Then add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the slices of pepperoni. Top the pepperoni with more mozzarella cheese to create a melty, cheesy topping. Finally, place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back onto the layered bottom half.
- Brush with Seasoned Butter and Cover: Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the seasoned butter mixture. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture for even melting and baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the covered rolls in the oven for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley over the rolls to add extra flavor and freshness.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and sweetness contrast with the savory toppings.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage or vegetables for variation.
- To save time, prepare the rolls ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.
