You know those appetizers that disappear the second you set them on the table? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these pull-apart roasted garlic pizza dip sliders for a game night. I barely got a chance to grab one before they were gone! These little bundles of cheesy, garlicky goodness are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft dinner rolls stuffed with creamy roasted garlic pizza dip, baked until golden and gooey—it’s like pizza in slider form, but even better. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love These Pull-Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Listen, I don’t blame you if you end up eating half the pan yourself—these sliders are that good. Here’s why they’re a total win:
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: The roasted garlic does all the heavy lifting (and smells amazing while it’s at it)
- That ooey-gooey factor: The cheese pull when you tear these apart is downright magical
- Always a crowd favorite: I’ve never brought these to a gathering without someone asking for the recipe
- Customizable: Toss in some pepperoni or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy
- Perfect texture: Crispy tops, soft centers—like little clouds of garlicky pizza heaven
Seriously, these sliders are the edible equivalent of a warm hug. You’ll see.
Ingredients for Pull-Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible sliders. I’m a stickler for measurements – baking is science, after all – but don’t stress if you’re a little off. The garlic is the real star here.
- 1 head garlic, top cut off – Don’t even think about using pre-minced! Fresh roasted garlic makes all the difference
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For roasting that garlic to golden perfection
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes first – trust me, your arm will thank you when mixing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (packed) – The more the merrier, I say – this gives that epic cheese pull
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan – The salty, nutty kick that balances everything
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce – Your favorite jarred kind works great here
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – My secret? Rub it between your fingers first to wake up the flavors
- 12 dinner rolls – The soft, squishy kind – Hawaiian rolls are my go-to
- 2 tbsp melted butter – For that golden, buttery top crust
See? Nothing too fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together in the most magical way. Now let’s get roasting!
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required here—just a few basics you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s your quick checklist:
- Baking sheet – For roasting the garlic and baking the sliders
- Aluminum foil – To wrap that garlic into a cozy little package
- Mixing bowl – Where the cheesy magic happens
- Pastry brush – For that glorious butter wash on the rolls
- Sharp knife – To slice the rolls without massacring them
That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part—making those sliders!
How to Make Pull-Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into something spectacular! The process is easy, but I’ll walk you through each step to ensure slider perfection. Just wait until you smell that roasted garlic—it’s gonna make your whole house smell like an Italian bistro.
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
First things first—we need to transform that raw garlic into sweet, caramelized goodness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your whole head of garlic and slice about 1/4 inch off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil—I like to really get it in between the cloves—then wrap it up in a little foil package. Pop it in the oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cloves are soft enough to squeeze out like garlic butter. Pro tip: Do this step first because the smell will have your family wandering into the kitchen asking “What’s cooking?”
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Once your garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze those golden cloves into a mixing bowl. Mash them up real good—I use a fork, but the back of a spoon works too. Now add your softened cream cheese (this is why we let it sit out!), mozzarella, parmesan, marinara, and Italian seasoning. Mix it all together until it’s one glorious, creamy concoction. Taste it—go ahead, I won’t tell! This is when I usually adjust the seasoning, maybe add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I’m feeling spicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Here comes the fun part! Take your dinner rolls—keep them connected in the tray—and carefully slice them horizontally like you’re making one giant sandwich. Don’t separate them completely! We want them to stay attached at the bottom so they pull apart easily later. Now spread that luscious cheese mixture evenly between the rolls. I like to get in there with a butter knife and make sure every nook and cranny gets some love. Brush the tops with melted butter—this gives them that beautiful golden color we all crave.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop those beauties back into your 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and tops that are golden brown—that’s when you know they’re ready. The smell will be absolutely intoxicating! Let them cool for just a couple minutes (if you can resist), then serve them up while they’re still warm and gooey. Watch as everyone gathers around, pulling apart these cheesy, garlicky bundles of joy. Just try not to eat them all yourself—I can’t make any promises though!
Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
After making these sliders more times than I can count (okay, maybe I should count…), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Fresh is best: That jar of minced garlic won’t give you the same sweet, caramelized magic as roasting your own
- Temperature matters: Room temp cream cheese blends smoother—no one wants lumpy dip!
- Serve immediately: These are at their peak when the cheese is still molten and stretchy
- Get creative: Throw in chopped basil, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of chili oil before baking
- Watch closely: Ovens vary—start checking at 15 minutes to prevent over-browning
The best tip? Make a double batch. You’ll thank me later when the first tray vanishes!
Variations for Pull-Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Feel free to get creative with these sliders! Add diced pepperoni for a classic pizza vibe, or throw in some chopped spinach for a veggie twist. Swap the marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless—just keep that roasted garlic as the star!
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are perfect all on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them with a small bowl of warm marinara for extra dipping—because you can never have too much pizza flavor! For a fresh contrast, pair them with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil. Honestly though? They usually disappear too fast for sides!
Storage and Reheating
If (big if) you have leftovers, these sliders keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just wrap them tight in foil. When garlic cravings strike again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and gooey. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that perfect crisp top. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra cheese before reheating for bonus melty goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know some folks like to keep track of these things—especially when the cheesy goodness is this irresistible! Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each slider (but remember, these are just estimates—your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your ingredients).
- Calories: About 210 per slider (but who’s counting when it’s this delicious?)
- Fat: 15g (mostly the good, flavorful kind from all that cheese and olive oil)
- Carbs: 14g (those soft rolls do their part!)
- Protein: 7g (cheese power!)
- Sugar: 2g (just a hint from the marinara and rolls)
Remember, these numbers can change based on the brands you use or if you decide to go wild with extra toppings. But let’s be real—when you’re pulling apart these garlicky, cheesy wonders, the only number that matters is how many you can eat before they’re gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting my own?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Pre-minced garlic just doesn’t have the same sweet, caramelized flavor that roasted garlic brings to these sliders. Plus, roasting the garlic yourself fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma—it’s worth the extra step, I promise!
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cheese mixture and roast the garlic up to a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble the sliders and bake them fresh. They’re best served warm and gooey, so I don’t recommend baking them ahead.
What kind of rolls should I use?
I’m a huge fan of soft, squishy dinner rolls like Hawaiian rolls—they’re buttery and slightly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the savory garlic dip. But any soft rolls will work, as long as they’re connected so you can slice them easily.
Can I freeze these sliders?
You can, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in foil and store for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and they’ll still taste great!
Can I add meat to these sliders?
Of course! Diced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or even crispy bacon would be fantastic additions. Just mix them into the cheese filling before spreading it between the rolls. Go wild and make them your own!
Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out by leaving a rating—I’d love to hear how your sliders came out! You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.
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12-Piece Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders Everyone Craves
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pull-apart roasted garlic pizza dip sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Soft rolls are stuffed with creamy garlic pizza dip and baked until golden.
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 dinner rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut top off garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl and mash.
- Mix garlic with cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara, and Italian seasoning.
- Cut rolls horizontally without separating, leaving bottom intact.
- Spread cheese mixture evenly between rolls.
- Brush tops with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust cheese amounts to taste.
- Serve immediately for gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: garlic dip, pizza sliders, party food, baked appetizer
