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!
