Get ready to bring a taste of your favorite deli to your kitchen with these incredible Italian Sliders! These baked beauties are packed with layers of savory deli meats, gooey provolone cheese, and a zesty kick from pepperoncini and hot cherry peppers, all nestled in soft rolls and brushed with a garlic-herb butter. They’re incredibly easy to assemble and bake, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or fun weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Italian Sliders are an absolute go-to in my recipe arsenal, and I love them for so many reasons! They take the classic flavors of an Italian sub and transform them into a convenient, shareable format. What I adore most is the combination of textures and tastes – the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, the salty, savory layers of ham, salami, and pepperoni, and the rich, melted provolone cheese. But the real magic comes from the tangy pepperoncini and spicy hot cherry peppers, which cut through the richness beautifully, and that irresistible garlic-Italian seasoning butter brushed over the top, making every bite flavorful and perfectly golden. They’re quick to prepare, bake in one pan, and always disappear fast!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Italian Sliders:
- 12 pack rolls, halved lengthwise (Kings Hawaiian rolls recommended for best results)
- 6 oz package of ham, thinly sliced
- 5 oz package of salami, thinly sliced
- 5 oz package of pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 9 slices provolone cheese
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced (mild or hot, to your preference)
- 1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh recommended over jarred)
To Serve: (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed for dipping
Swaps and Notes
- Rolls: Kings Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their sweetness and soft texture that bakes up perfectly. Other slider buns or even regular dinner rolls could work, but may yield a different result.
- Deli Meats: The ham, salami, and pepperoni create a classic Italian combo. You can swap in other thinly sliced meats like turkey, roast beef, or capicola.
- Provolone Cheese: Sliced provolone melts beautifully. Mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses could also be used.
- Peppers: Pepperoncini and hot cherry peppers add essential tang and heat. Adjust quantities based on your spice tolerance. You can use one or the other, or add a mix of mild and hot.
- Butter: Salted butter is great here to enhance the savory flavors. If using unsalted, add a tiny pinch of salt to the butter mixture.
- Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic provides the best aroma and flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A good quality Italian seasoning blend adds a classic herby note.
- Marinara Sauce: Warming marinara sauce for dipping is a fantastic optional addition, making these even more like a hearty Italian sub.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Italian Sliders baked!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble Roll Base: Lay the bottom half of the 12-pack rolls (still connected as a sheet) on a baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
- Layer Fillings: Layer the slices of ham evenly over the bottom rolls. Then top with the salami slices, followed by a layer of pepperoni. Next, arrange the 9 slices of provolone cheese over the meats. Finish the filling layers with the sliced hot cherry peppers and sliced pepperoncini, distributing them evenly.
- Add Top Buns: Carefully replace the top half of the rolls over the layered fillings. Set the assembled sliders aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup melted salted butter with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 2 cloves crushed fresh garlic. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Brush Butter Topping: Using a pastry brush, liberally brush the seasoned butter mixture over the entire top surface of the sliders. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies between the rolls for maximum flavor and browning.
- Bake: Cover the baking sheet or pan containing the sliders tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- Brown Top: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Allow the sliders to cool for just a few minutes before slicing them apart along the original cuts of the rolls. Serve warm, with a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips for Success
- Kings Hawaiian Rolls: They really do make a difference for a soft, slightly sweet base that toasts perfectly.
- Thinly Sliced Meats: Using thinly sliced deli meats ensures the layers are easy to bite through and allows the flavors to meld.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: Brushing the tops generously with the seasoned butter ensures a delicious golden crust and adds incredible flavor.
- Cover with Foil: Covering initially traps steam, melting the cheese and heating the fillings thoroughly without burning the tops of the rolls. Removing the foil allows for golden browning.
- Rest Briefly: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from oozing out excessively.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Italian Sliders are incredibly versatile and perfect for any casual occasion:
- Party Appetizer: They’re ideal for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where finger foods are a must.
- Quick Dinner: Serve with a simple side salad for an easy and fun weeknight meal.
- Picnic or Lunch Box: Delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Dipping Sauce: Warmed marinara sauce is fantastic, or even a pesto aioli.
- For other impressive and easy-to-make appetizers for entertaining, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way To Impress Guests.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Italian Sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The rolls may soften further.
- Reheating: Reheat individual sliders in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing assembled sliders is not recommended due to the bread and fresh peppers.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy assembly and crowd-pleasing nature of these Italian Sliders, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another incredibly delicious and easy dip that’s always a hit, check out our This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears In Minutes.
- If you’re feeding a crowd and need a quick, savory option, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast are incredibly efficient.
- And for a fun, interactive way to serve a gathering, you can’t beat This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Sliders are a brilliant combination of classic deli flavors and easy home baking. They’re quick to prepare, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves a savory, cheesy sandwich. Perfect for sharing, they bring that satisfying, comforting feeling to any table.
Give this recipe a try and watch these delicious sliders disappear! What’s your favorite type of baked sandwich or slider? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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