When you can’t decide between a juicy burger and a cheesy pizza, why not combine the best of both worlds? These Cheesy Mini Pizza Sliders are a fun and delicious twist on two crowd favorites. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or gatherings, these mini sandwiches are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- For the meat patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- For the sliders:
- 8 small burger buns or slider rolls (you can also use sliced bread or mini bagels)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni or any toppings of choice (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the meat patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with diced onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the seasoning. Shape the mixture into small, round patties, roughly the size of your buns.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned and fully cooked through. Set the patties aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the sliders: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bottom half of each bun (or bread slice) on a baking sheet. Spread a spoonful of pizza or marinara sauce on each bun. Add a layer of pepperoni or other toppings on top of the sauce, followed by one of the cooked meat patties.
- Add the cheese: Generously top each patty with shredded mozzarella cheese. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top as well. Place the top halves of the buns on each slider.
- Bake: Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Recipe Tips:
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. You can also swap the pepperoni for other meats such as ham, bacon, or sausage.
- Cheese Variations: Try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for extra flavor and gooeyness. You can also sprinkle some oregano or red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat patties and toppings ahead of time, assemble the sliders, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for parties or meal prep.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute, dairy-free cheese, and veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious meat-free version.
Serving Suggestions:
These cheesy mini pizza sliders are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or pair them with a crisp side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. They’re great for game days, kids’ parties, or as a fun weeknight dinner.
These mini pizza sliders are the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. The juicy meat, rich pizza sauce, and melted cheese all come together in a single bite, making them irresistible. Try them out, and watch them disappear quickly!
Let me know if you’d like to adjust the recipe or add more variations!
