Perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or a quick family dinner, Italian Sliders are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These bite-sized sandwiches are layered with savory Italian meats, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings, all baked to golden, gooey perfection.
I first fell in love with sliders at a family gathering, where they were gone as soon as they hit the table! This Italian version, inspired by classic deli flavors, is my go-to for any occasion. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re bound to become your new favorite too.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sliders Recipe
These Italian Sliders are the ultimate combination of convenience and irresistible flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Easy to Make: With pre-sliced meats and cheese, assembling these sliders is a breeze. Even novice cooks can pull this off effortlessly.
- Loaded with Flavor: From the layers of Italian meats to the herby butter topping, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding a hungry family, these sliders are ideal for sharing – and they disappear quickly!
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Now let’s look at what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering sliders.
Ingredients Notes
Here’s what makes these Italian Sliders so delicious:
- Slider Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because of their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor. Regular dinner rolls work too.
- Italian Meats: A combination of salami, pepperoni, and ham creates the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory.
- Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella is the classic choice for Italian sliders, melting beautifully and adding creamy richness.
- Marinara Sauce: A thin layer of marinara adds a touch of tangy flavor and keeps the sliders moist. You can also serve extra on the side for dipping.
- Butter Mixture: Melted butter mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes is brushed over the top for a golden, flavorful finish.
Optional toppings like banana peppers, olives, or fresh basil can add a personal touch to your sliders!
How to Make Italian Sliders
Making Italian Sliders is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops connected. Place the bottom half in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. - Layer the Ingredients
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the rolls. Next, layer the salami, pepperoni, ham, and cheese evenly across the rolls. Top with the remaining half of the rolls. - Add the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, ensuring every roll is coated. - Bake the Sliders
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. - Serve Warm
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders, then serve and enjoy!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: Assemble the sliders but don’t bake them. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
This Italian Sliders Recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Change the Meat
Swap the salami and pepperoni for prosciutto, mortadella, or turkey for a unique twist. - Experiment with Cheese
Use Havarti, Gouda, or even a sharp Parmesan blend for a different flavor profile. - Add Veggies
Layer in roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrition. - Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist. - Herby Upgrade
Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the sliders before serving for a fresh, fragrant touch.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, these Italian Sliders are guaranteed to impress. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
PrintItalian Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These Italian sliders are packed with layers of salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, topped with a flavorful butter glaze. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner, these sliders are easy to make and full of bold Italian flavors!
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 6 slices salami
- 6 slices ham
- 6 slices pepperoni
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottom layer intact. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom half of the buns.
- Layer salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.
- Place the top half of the buns over the layered meats and cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and cut into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add banana peppers, olives, or arugula for extra flavor.
- These sliders can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
- Swap marinara sauce with pesto for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
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