Tailgate Time: Pizza Sliders

 

Are you ready for some football? Are you ready for some tailgate food?

For me, the answer is an emphatic yes. My K-State Wildcats open their season Saturday against Nicholls. While I'm ready for football, I wish it came with some football weather. But I guess that's too much to hope for this weekend. Even with a 6 PM start, it's going to be hot.

The regular NFL season is arriving soon, too. And, for us, that means watching in the comfort of our air-conditioned living room. 

Whether you're coming up with football tailgate food or just trying to put together something quick, easy and tasty for an everyday meal, these Pizza Sliders are a great option.

I had a package of mini sub buns in my freezer, so I used those, rather than slider buns or regular Hawaiian dinner rolls. But any of those options work.  

Bring on the football! And the football food!  

Pizza Sliders 

1 package 12-count slider buns (I used a package of mini sub rolls)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 tbsp. finely-grated Parmesan cheese

12 slices mozzarella cheese, divided

48 slices pepperonis

3/4 cup pizza sauce

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 7- by 11-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray. 

 

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

 

Split rolls or mini subs in half and place the bottom halves in the baking dish. Top the bottom halves of the buns with 6 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Follow with a layer of the pepperoni slices, pizza sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.

 

Place the top halves of the buns on top and brush the top of the rolls with the melted butter mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the sliders turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, separate and serve. 

 

Note: I served with coleslaw and chips, but relishes and fruits would also be an easy accompaniment.  

 

Pizza Sliders

 

It's football season! Whether partaking at a tailgate before cheering on your team in person or enjoying the game in the cool comfort of your air-conditioned home while watching your big screen, big football games call for big taste!

Pizza Sliders provide that taste that provides a wallop - whether for game time or just a family lunch or supper.

It was another of those recipes I saw on Facebook and "clicked," but this was from a blogger I'd not visited before: I Am Homesteader.

I made some slight modifications, but it was an easy-to-make and tasty sandwich offering - for lunch, supper or tailgate! If you try it, let me know what you think!

Pizza Sliders

Adapted from I Am Homesteader blog

 

1 package Hawaiian bread slider or sub rolls (can use 12-count regular Hawaiian rolls)
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices mozzarella cheese, divided
48 slices pepperonis
¾ cup pizza sauce

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 7- by 11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Split your buns/sliders in half horizontally, and place the bottom halves in the baking dish. I tore my sub rolls apart before spreading with any of the filling to make it easier to remove from the pan and serve individually.   Top the bottom halves of the buns with 6 of the mozzarella cheese slices. (For sub rolls, I folded them in half, so they'd fit on the bun.) Follow with a layer of the pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.   Place the top halves of the buns on top and brush the top of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.  Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes (or until the tops of the sliders turn a golden brown). Remove from oven, slice, and serve!