These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are mini sandwiches that are just bursting with flavor! Filled with delicious meats, gooey cheese, and zesty toppings, they’re super easy to love.
Perfect for game days or a quick dinner, I enjoy making these sliders because they bake up warm and crispy. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their slight sweetness, which balances the savory fillings. If you’re looking for a lower carb option, consider using lettuce wraps instead!
Meats: Pepperoni, salami, and ham create a great flavor mix. You can swap any of these for turkey or roast beef if you want a lighter version or need to accommodate specific tastes.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese is perfect for melting. Mozzarella can be a fantastic substitute if that’s what you have at home, or even a sharp cheddar for a different zing!
Banana Peppers: These add a nice kick! If you prefer milder flavors, try using sliced olives or omit them altogether.
Italian Dressing: I usually opt for homemade dressing for freshness. If you’re short on time, store-bought works just fine; it’s quick and convenient!
How Can I Ensure My Sliders Are Perfectly Melted and Toasty?
The goal is to have gooey melted cheese and crispy tops! To achieve that, make sure to cover the sliders with foil while baking initially. This traps steam to melt the cheese. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and let them bake uncovered for the last few minutes to crisp up the tops nicely.
- Control the baking time; keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven.
- Brushing the tops with butter and seasoning before baking gives flavors and golden color.
A bonus tip? If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. These sliders disappear quickly!
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni
- 6 oz sliced salami
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced pickled banana peppers or pepperoncini
For the Spread:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes in the oven. In just under an hour, you’ll have hot, cheesy, and delightful sliders ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the sliders.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking tray, making sure they are lined up nicely!
3. Add Mayonnaise:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each of the bottom bun halves. This will add some creamy goodness!
4. Layer the Meats:
Begin layering with the sliced pepperoni first, followed by salami and then ham. Arrange these evenly across the buns for a tasty bite every time!
5. Cheese Time:
Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the layered meats. The cheese should cover them nicely.
6. Add Toppings:
Top each slider with a slice of tomato and a few pickled banana peppers for that zesty crunch!
7. Season the Sliders:
Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
8. Finish with the Top Buns:
Now, place the top halves of the buns onto the filled sliders, sealing in all those delicious layers.
9. Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian dressing, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
10. Brush the Sliders:
Generously brush this mixture over the tops of the slider buns to add flavor and a nice golden color.
11. Bake with Foil:
Cover the tray loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and warm.
12. Brown the Tops:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tops are slightly browned and crispy.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the sliders out of the oven. If you like, add shredded lettuce for freshness. Serve them warm and enjoy this delicious treat!
These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy every cheesy bite! 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for These Sliders?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are a great choice for their sweetness, you can use any type of slider bun such as whole wheat, ciabatta, or even brioche. Just ensure they’re soft enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart!
How Can I Make These Sliders a Bit Healthier?
You can lighten them up by using leaner meats like turkey or chicken, opting for reduced-fat cheese, and adding more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Additionally, consider using whole grain buns for added fiber!
Can I Make These Sliders in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as instructed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the bread crispier!