Sliders with Pesto Mozzarella

Name: Sliders with Pesto Mozzarella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 12 slider buns; 12 slices of fresh mozzarella; 1 cup basil pesto; 1 cup arugula; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these Sliders with Pesto Mozzarella for gatherings or just a cozy night at home. The combination of freshly baked slider buns, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto creates a burst of flavors that’s hard to resist. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful experience that brings everyone back for seconds. Serving these sliders is a guaranteed way to impress my guests, and they're surprisingly easy to whip up. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a crisp salad!

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:49:08.159Z

When I first tried making sliders with pesto and mozzarella, I couldn't believe how easy and delicious they were. The key is to use fresh ingredients, especially the mozzarella and basil in your pesto, which really elevate the dish. I remember serving these at a party, and they vanished almost immediately, leaving me wanting to make them again and again!

One tip I discovered is to lightly toast the slider buns before assembling. This not only adds a nice crunch but also helps prevent them from getting soggy when you add the pesto. Trust me, your guests will notice the extra care!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh basil pesto that brightens every bite
Melty mozzarella that adds creaminess
Perfect finger food for any occasion

      

Crafting the Perfect Slider

Creating sliders that are both delicious and visually appealing starts with the quality of your ingredients. Fresh slider buns are crucial; opt for ones that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold their contents without falling apart. Look for slider buns labeled as 'slider' or 'mini' at your local bakery. If time allows, consider making homemade buns for extra flavor – they can elevate your sliders significantly. Using good quality mozzarella, preferably fresh and creamy, will also enhance the melt-in-your-mouth experience.

When assembling your sliders, distributing the arugula evenly can amplify each bite’s freshness. Make sure your pesto is homemade or of high quality—it brings a burst of vibrant flavor and aroma that complements the creamy mozzarella wonderfully. You can even experiment with different cheeses or add roasted red peppers for an additional flavor layer. Achieving that perfect balance of flavors is key to impressing your guests!

Key Techniques for Success

To ensure even melting of the mozzarella, combine it with a small amount of pesto before layering it on the bun. This technique not only adds extra flavor but also keeps the cheese from drying out in the oven. When baking, keep an eye on the sliders; you want the cheese to be delightfully gooey and not overcooked. If your sliders start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil until they finish melting to avoid burning.

For those planning to serve a larger crowd, scaling this recipe is easy. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet and adjust the baking time accordingly. If you’re preparing ahead of time, you can assemble the sliders without baking them and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful flavor explosion.

For the Sliders

12 slider buns
12 slices of fresh mozzarella
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup arugula
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you've got everything ready, it's time to assemble and enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious sliders.

Prepare the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the slider buns in half and lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet.

Toast the Buns

Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the buns are golden and toasted.

Assemble the Sliders

Spread a generous layer of pesto on each bottom half of the toasted buns. Add a slice of mozzarella, followed by a handful of arugula. Season with salt and pepper, then place the top half of the buns on each slider.

Finish and Serve

Return the assembled sliders to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the mozzarella starts to melt. Serve warm and enjoy!

Your sliders are ready to impress! Enjoy them fresh from the oven.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add sliced tomatoes or a dash of chili flakes to your sliders. They make a fantastic pairing!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the buns from getting too soggy, it’s best to separate the sliders into their individual components if you plan to store them. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will refresh the texture of the buns and ensure the mozzarella is melted again, maintaining that delightful creaminess.

If you’d like to freeze your sliders for a later date, assemble them without any toppings and wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to a month in the freezer. To reheat frozen sliders, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them as usual until warm and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

These Sliders with Pesto Mozzarella pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A crisp, simple salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders. If you're hosting, consider setting up a slider bar where guests can add their toppings like roasted garlic, pickled onions, or even a dollop of spicy aioli for an extra kick.

For a more substantial meal, serve the sliders alongside homemade sweet potato fries or a classic coleslaw to add texture and flavor contrast. You can also create a themed meal with Italian-inspired sides like bruschetta or caprese salad. The sliders are versatile enough to fit into various culinary themes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella works best for this recipe as it melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

→ Can I use any other cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese or provolone can be great alternatives if you're looking for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.