Muffuletta sliders are tiny sandwiches bursting with flavor! They showcase a mix of meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad stacked between soft buns. Perfect for sharing!
These little bites pack a punch, and they vanish quickly at parties—trust me, I always grab a few extras just in case! They’re super easy to make, too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness and softness. If unavailable, any soft dinner roll will work. Just avoid crusty bread, as it won’t give the same gooey, delightful result.
Meats: Genoa salami and ham are classic, but you can substitute with any deli meats you prefer. For a lighter option, turkey or a veggie deli slice can also work well. Mortadella adds unique flavor, but thin-sliced turkey will do in a pinch.
Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melt, but mozzarella or even cheddar can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Goat cheese or a spreadable cheese could add a fun twist too!
Olive Salad: This is the star ingredient! You can buy it pre-made or make your own. If olives aren’t your thing, consider using a mix of chopped peppers and pickles to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control salt levels. If you’re watching your fat intake, olive oil can be an excellent alternative to brush the tops of the sliders.
How Do You Assemble Sliders Without Making a Mess?
Assembling sliders can feel tricky if you’re not careful. Here’s a straightforward way to keep things tidy:
- Use a large baking dish where the buns fit snugly; this keeps everything together.
- Slice the rolls horizontally in one smooth motion—this keeps the fillings inside.
- Spread the olive salad right to the edges to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Layer meats and cheese close together but avoid overfilling. Too much can cause spills during baking!
- Brush the melted butter loosely with a pastry brush so it coats evenly—this keeps the buns soft and adds flavor.
- When baking, cover loosely with foil to keep everything moist, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the tops.
With these tips, your Muffuletta sliders will look and taste amazing every time! Enjoy your delicious creations!
How to Make Delicious Muffuletta Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft slider buns (preferably Hawaiian rolls or similar soft dinner rolls)
- 6 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 6 oz sliced ham (preferably smoked or Black Forest)
- 6 oz sliced mortadella or cooked ham
- 6 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup olive salad (muffuletta olive salad; chopped olives, pickled vegetables, olive oil, herbs)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, making a total of 25 minutes from start to delicious sliders ready to eat! It’s quick and easy—perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders will bake perfectly as you assemble them.
2. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally into a top and bottom half. Make sure to keep the buns connected at the back, so they form a large flat base in a baking dish for easy assembly.
3. Add Olive Salad:
Spread a generous layer of the olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the buns. This will add wonderful flavor and moisture to your sliders.
4. Layer the Meats:
Next, layer the Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella evenly over the olive salad. Try to cover the entire surface for each bite to pack in the flavor!
5. Add Provolone Cheese:
Now, place the provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the meats. This will melt beautifully, holding all the sliders together.
6. Top It Off:
Carefully cover the layers with the top half of the slider buns, forming complete sandwiches.
7. Brush with Butter:
Brush the melted butter evenly over the top of the slider buns. This will give them a lovely golden finish and enhance the flavor.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered buns. This adds a savory kick to the top!
9. Bake in the Oven:
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to mingle.
10. Slice and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Now, cut the large muffuletta slider sandwich into individual sliders. They’re ready to enjoy!
11. Enjoy Your Sliders:
Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful mini muffuletta sandwiches with your favorite sides or dips! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella are traditional, feel free to mix in your favorite deli meats. Turkey or a veggie alternative can work well too!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep them nice and soft!
Can I Prepare the Olive Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! Making the olive salad a day ahead not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your sliders.
Can I Freeze Muffuletta Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adjusting the time if needed if they’re still a bit chilled.