Glazed Pizza Sliders: A Perfect Bite-Sized Pizza Delight
Pizza is one of the most beloved comfort foods, and when it comes to making it fun and easy to serve, glazed pizza sliders are the way to go. These mini sandwiches are packed with all the delicious flavors of a pizza – melted cheese, savory sauce, and flavorful toppings – all nestled in soft, buttery buns. The glaze on top adds a perfect sweet-savory finish that takes these sliders to the next level.
Ideal for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal, glazed pizza sliders are easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe for these tasty sliders, along with tips for customization, storage, and variations.
For more delicious slider recipes, check out Classic Chicken Sliders and Cheeseburger Sliders.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making glazed pizza sliders is quick and simple with a few key ingredients. Here’s the basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 12 soft slider buns (such as Hawaiian rolls or slider buns)
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any other pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the buns attached to each other if they are in a single pack. Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the bottom buns. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.). Place the top half of the buns on top of the fillings.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Brush this glaze evenly over the top of the slider buns, making sure to cover all the tops.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops of the buns to become golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for an extra pop of flavor.
Advanced Techniques
While the basic recipe is delicious, there are several advanced techniques you can use to enhance your glazed pizza sliders and make them even more flavorful.
1. Customizing the Toppings:
You can get creative with the toppings for your sliders. Some ideas include:
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions
- Shredded chicken with BBQ sauce for a BBQ pizza slider
- Bacon, ham, and pineapple for a Hawaiian-style slider
- Ground beef and pickles for a cheeseburger-style pizza slider
Feel free to mix and match to create your own custom flavors!
2. Add a Garlic Butter Drizzle:
For an extra touch of flavor, consider making a garlic butter drizzle to brush on the buns before serving. Simply melt some butter and mix with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt, then drizzle over the top of the baked sliders for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Use Different Buns:
While soft slider buns are the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of bread. Try using whole wheat buns, sourdough rolls, or even bagel sliders for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
4. Add a Touch of Spice:
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some spicy elements like jalapeños, hot sausage, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top for an added kick.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Muffin tin mini quiches are excellent for meal prep, and you can make a batch in advance to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store, reheat, and keep them fresh.
Storage:
Once the glazed pizza sliders have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These sliders are best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing:
If you want to store the sliders for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap the sliders individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating:
To reheat refrigerated sliders, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, although the texture won’t be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
Shelf Life:
- In the fridge: 3 days.
- In the freezer: Up to 2 months.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily modify glazed pizza sliders to suit your needs. Here are a few adaptations:
1. Gluten-Free Sliders:
For gluten-free sliders, substitute the regular slider buns with gluten-free buns. Many stores offer gluten-free options for slider buns, or you can make your own.
2. Dairy-Free Sliders:
For a dairy-free version, replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free cheese substitute. There are several brands that offer plant-based cheeses that melt well and taste great.
3. Vegan Sliders:
To make the sliders vegan, skip the cheese and replace it with a vegan cheese option. You can also use plant-based sausage, pepperoni, or other vegan meats in place of the traditional toppings.
4. Low-Carb or Keto Sliders:
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can skip the buns entirely and wrap the pizza fillings in lettuce leaves or use keto-friendly bread or buns. You can also reduce the sugar in the glaze or skip it altogether.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Simply cover them with foil and bake them the next day. The sliders can also be fully baked and reheated when needed.
2. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of slider buns?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough, but you’ll need to shape it into individual mini buns and bake them separately. You can then follow the same instructions to assemble and bake the sliders.
3. Can I make these sliders without a glaze?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze and simply bake the sliders as is. The cheese and toppings will still provide plenty of flavor.
4. What kind of cheese works best for these sliders?
Mozzarella is the classic cheese for pizza, but you can also use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan creates a delicious, melty filling.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Muffin tin mini quiches are a delightful, customizable dish that works for any meal of the day. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, serve them at a brunch gathering, or eat them as a snack, these bite-sized quiches are sure to be a hit. With a variety of filling options and the ability to customize based on dietary preferences, you can easily make these quiches your own. Happy cooking!