Hawaiian Pizza Sliders Recipe

Name: Hawaiian Pizza Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled; 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12), split; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 6 ounces deli sliced ham; 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well; 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 30 minutes

These Hawaiian-inspired sliders are a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. Crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, deli ham, and melty mozzarella are all nestled between soft rolls and baked to golden perfection. A quick and easy recipe for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack!

Ingredients (12 servings)

2 slices bacon
1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls, split
1/2 cup pizza sauce
6 ounces sliced deli ham
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and gather all the ingredients.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until crispy and evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble the bacon.
Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the rolls.
Layer the deli ham, pineapple, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, shredded mozzarella, and crushed red pepper on top of the sauce-covered rolls.
Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the filling.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and cover the pan with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top of the rolls is golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these gooey, delicious Hawaiian bacon roll sliders!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	189
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	27mg
Sodium	477mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	3mg
Calcium	142mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	178mg

Hawaiian Pizza Sliders Recipe

The Story Behind Hawaiian Pizza Sliders

Hawaiian pizza, despite its tropical name, did not originate in Hawaii. It was actually created in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada, who experimented with combining sweet pineapple with savory ham on pizza. This unique combination, once controversial among pizza purists, gradually gained popularity and inspired countless adaptations, including the miniature version known as Hawaiian pizza sliders. These sliders maintain the iconic sweet-and-savory contrast in a convenient, bite-sized format perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Regional Variations

While Hawaiian pizza sliders are popular across North America, regional twists can add local flavor. In the United States, sliders often feature additional ingredients like bacon, red onions, or a blend of cheeses to intensify flavor. In some regions, chefs substitute pineapple with mango or add a hint of jalapeo for a spicier bite. Despite these variations, the core concept remains: a soft, sweet roll topped with ham, pineapple, and cheese, baked to golden perfection.

Distinctive Qualities Compared to Similar Dishes

Hawaiian pizza sliders differ from traditional pizza or other sliders in both flavor profile and presentation. Unlike classic pizza, they use sweet Hawaiian rolls instead of a standard pizza crust, giving them a soft, slightly sweet base. Compared to regular sliders, which often feature burgers or pulled meats, these sliders focus on a harmonious balance between sweetness from pineapple and saltiness from ham and bacon. The addition of melted mozzarella and a light seasoning of garlic and oregano enhances the pizza-like quality without overpowering the slider format.

Typical Serving Occasions

Hawaiian pizza sliders are most commonly served at casual gatherings, such as game nights, birthday parties, or potlucks. Their small size makes them ideal for finger food, and their combination of flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, including kids and adults alike. They are also a popular choice for appetizer platters in restaurants that specialize in American or comfort food, where they provide a playful twist on traditional pizza.

Interesting Facts

The Hawaiian pizza controversy is famous: some chefs and pizza enthusiasts argue that pineapple does not belong on pizza, yet it has a loyal fanbase worldwide.
Hawaiian pizza sliders bring the same flavor experience in a party-friendly form, making it easier to enjoy without the need for plates and cutlery.
The combination of sweet pineapple with salty ham and bacon is an example of the culinary principle known as contrast of flavors, which is widely used in gourmet cooking.
Despite being a North American invention, the name Hawaiian reflects the tropical inspiration rather than the dishs geographic origin.
Many modern recipes, like this slider version, use a butter and herb topping on the rolls to enhance aroma and create a golden crust, mimicking a more traditional baked pizza experience.

FAQ about Hawaiian Pizza Sliders Recipe

Store leftover Hawaiian Pizza Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Hawaiian Pizza Sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, consume within 1-2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare Hawaiian Pizza Sliders ahead of time. Assemble the sliders as directed, then cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as instructed.

If you don't have Hawaiian sweet rolls, you can use any soft, slightly sweet rolls like King's Hawaiian or other dinner rolls. Just ensure they are soft and slightly sweet for the best flavor balance.

Yes, you can use different cheeses. While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can also experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly.

If you prefer not to use pineapple, you can try using other fruits like peaches, mango, or even apple slices for a sweet touch. Alternatively, you could add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a savory version.

Definitely! You can add toppings like green bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even pepperoni for an extra flavor kick. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sauce and cheese to balance the additional ingredients.

This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses regular Hawaiian sweet rolls. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free rolls and ensure the pizza sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Yes, you can make the sliders vegetarian by omitting the bacon and ham. You can replace the meat with additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes for a savory, meat-free version.

The Hawaiian Pizza Sliders are mildly spicy due to the crushed red pepper. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.