If you’re craving a handheld bite bursting with bold flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, the Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful twist on traditional pizza offers everything you love about a classic sausage pizza but in slider form, perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a tasty snack with minimal fuss. Soft slider buns layered with savory Italian sausage simmered in marinara, topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, come together to create a melty, irresistible treat you’ll keep coming back for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, familiar, and each plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special. From the hearty Italian sausage to the blend of cheeses, every component complements one another perfectly.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps to keep the slider buns perfectly toasted and moist.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound): The star protein contributing a spicy, savory punch that defines the flavor profile.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Provides a tangy tomato base that melds all the elements together beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, aromatic layer without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the savory notes and complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the dish.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that classic gooey texture pizza lovers crave.
- Slider buns (12): Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a savory finish with a hint of saltiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, herby brightness to finish off the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This ensures your sliders bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds the rich, meaty base for your sliders.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
To the cooked sausage, stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so all those savory flavors meld into a thick, hearty mixture that will soak into the buns.
Step 4: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice your slider buns horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Place the bottom halves in the greased baking dish in an even layer—this is the sturdy foundation for your sliders.
Step 5: Brush and Layer
Brush the insides of the bottom bun halves with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep them moist and add extra flavor. Spread the sausage and marinara mixture evenly over these bottoms, then blanket the filling with shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible melty layer.
Step 6: Finish the Assembly
Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese layer, then brush the tops with any leftover olive oil. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the tops—this adds a beautiful golden crust and a hit of extra savory goodness during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes to heat everything through and melt the cheese. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliders for that perfect burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Cut into individual sliders and get ready to dive into cheesy, spicy goodness.
How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of fresh parsley brightens up the rich flavors and makes these sliders look just as good as they taste. You can also offer crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for people who like to add a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness or classic garlic breadsticks for a total carb lover’s dream. Roasted vegetables or a light Italian pasta salad make excellent companions, turning this snack into a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, serve your Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli. You can also skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick to keep them neat and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sliders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious sliders for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any foil and place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that delightful crispy top and gooey center.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage offers a leaner alternative and works beautifully, but it might be less spicy, so consider adjusting your seasonings to keep that bold flavor.
What kind of slider buns work best?
Soft but sturdy slider buns work best to soak up all the sauce without falling apart. Brioche or potato slider buns add a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms and veggies with Italian seasoning to keep the flavor vibrant and satisfying.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level depends on your choice of sausage. Italian sausage usually has mild to medium spice, but you can select hot sausage or add red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Could I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders the day before and refrigerate them covered. Then just bake fresh before serving to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the best parts of pizza and sliders in one irresistible package. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something delicious, I promise these sliders will become your go-to recipe for hands-down amazing bites every time.
Print
Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pizza Sliders are a deliciously easy twist on classic pizza, featuring a savory Italian sausage filling, melted mozzarella, and a crispy Parmesan-topped bun. Perfect for parties or a fun family dinner, they bake quickly in the oven, combining flavorful marinara sauce and herbs with gooey cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Bread and Cheese
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- Brush Buns: Brush the insides of the slider buns (both bottom halves) with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the sausage and marinara mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns to form the pizza base.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the sausage mixture for rich, melty goodness.
- Top the Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese layer, creating sandwich sliders.
- Brush Tops: Lightly brush the tops of the slider buns with any remaining olive oil to help the Parmesan cheese stick and get a golden finish.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the slider buns for a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to start melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the Parmesan is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliders for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.
- Serve: Cut into individual sliders and enjoy these delicious pizza sliders warm, perfect for snacking or casual meals.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference for heat level.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced pepperoni or diced bell peppers to the sausage mixture.
- If slider buns are not available, small dinner rolls can be substituted.
- Make sure not to overcook the sausage to keep it juicy and tender.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
