Who doesn’t love a good, toasty sandwich? These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
They’re cheesy, savory, a little zesty, and so easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or any time you want to feed a hungry group without a ton of effort.
My kids devour these, and I love how customizable they are. Plus, they’re made in one pan—so less cleanup for us busy parents.
Let’s make this deliciousness together!
What You’ll Need
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work perfectly!)
- 8 oz sliced deli ham
- 8 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 8 oz sliced pepperoni
- 8 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup banana peppers (optional, but so good for a little zing!)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders:
- Toast the Bottoms First: Brush a little butter on the bottom buns and pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes before adding the layers. It helps keep them from getting soggy.
- Even Layers Are Key: Spread the meats and cheese evenly, so every slider gets a perfect bite.
- Customize It: Add black olives, roasted red peppers, or switch up the meats and cheeses to fit your family’s taste.
- Banana Peppers = Flavor Boost: Even if you’re not a spicy fan, give banana peppers a try. They add tang without overwhelming heat.
- Cover with Foil First: Cover the sliders with foil during the first part of baking to keep the tops soft, then uncover for the last few minutes to let them brown up perfectly.
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife
- Foil
Substitutions and Variations:
- Cheese: Swap provolone for mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Meats: Use turkey, roast beef, or even pastrami if you’re not into Italian meats.
- Low Carb: Try these with low-carb rolls or hollowed-out zucchini boats instead of buns.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and load them with roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance! Just wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Wait to add the butter topping until just before baking.
Instructions:
1. Prep Your Buns
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Meats and Cheese
Start with a layer of ham, then salami, pepperoni, and finally, the provolone cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Then place the top halves of the buns over the layers, gently pressing them down
3. Brush with Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the mixture over the tops of the buns.
4. Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm.
- Freezer: Wrap individual sliders in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion:
There you have it—Hot Italian Sub Sliders that are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat! Whether it’s for your family or a party, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below and share your experience or any fun twists you tried. Happy cooking! 😊