This Italian Sliders Recipe offers a quick, simple, and utterly delicious way to feed a crowd or enjoy a flavorful meal. Featuring layers of savory ham, spicy salami, zesty pepperoni, tender roasted red peppers, and gooey Provolone cheese, these sliders are baked to golden perfection on sweet Hawaiian rolls. They are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from casual game nights to festive holiday parties.

The Ultimate Italian Sliders Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

When it comes to hosting, especially during busy seasons or for spontaneous get-togethers, sliders are my absolute go-to. They are the epitome of effortless entertaining – universally loved, incredibly easy to prepare, and budget-friendly. Instead of fussing over individual servings, I love making a couple of batches and letting everyone help themselves. These bite-sized sandwiches disappear faster than you can say “mangia!”

This past holiday season, I decided to whip up these Italian Sliders for an after-Christmas party, and they were such a runaway success that I instantly regretted not making more! The rave reviews were constant, with guests asking for the recipe before the night was over. Naturally, I restocked my ingredients the very next day to ensure a repeat performance. They truly are the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, making them ideal for any event, big or small.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with This Italian Sliders Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: These sliders come together with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: The combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and sweet rolls is a universal hit. Kids and adults alike will devour them!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common deli ingredients and a pack of Hawaiian rolls, this recipe won’t break the bank.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the meats, cheeses, and additions to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, holiday party, casual lunch, or a quick dinner, these sliders fit right in.
• Flavor Explosion: The seasoned butter glaze brushed over the top adds an irresistible savory crunch that perfectly complements the rich fillings.

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Italian Sliders

Crafting the perfect Italian slider begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component matters:

• Hawaiian Rolls (12-count package): These soft, sweet rolls are the foundation of any great slider. Their subtle sweetness perfectly balances the savory and salty deli meats, while their inherent softness ensures a tender bite. Look for a fresh, soft package and resist the urge to separate them before slicing. Keeping them intact is key for easy assembly.
• Provolone Cheese (12 slices): Known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting properties, Provolone is a classic choice for Italian sandwiches. It melts into a wonderfully gooey layer, binding all the ingredients together. For an extra layer of flavor or to mix things up, consider swapping half the Provolone with fresh mozzarella.
• Ham (thinly sliced deli, 5 oz/12 slices): A good quality, thinly sliced deli ham provides a foundational savory taste. Opt for a variety like Black Forest or honey ham for a touch of sweetness, or a classic smoked ham for a more robust flavor. Thin slices are crucial for easy layering and a balanced texture.
• Salami (thinly sliced deli, 2 oz/12 large slices): Salami brings a wonderful peppery and garlicky depth to these sliders. Genoa salami is a popular choice for its rich flavor. If using smaller packaged pepperoni or salami, you might need to adjust the quantity to ensure every slider gets a generous share.
• Pepperoni (thinly sliced deli, 2 oz/12 large slices or 24 smaller): No Italian slider would be complete without pepperoni! Its distinct spicy kick and slightly greasy texture add a layer of robust flavor. Whether you prefer large deli slices or smaller pre-packaged rounds, layer generously for maximum impact.
• Roasted Red Peppers (8 oz, optional): These offer a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy counterpoint to the rich meats and cheese. If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, it is absolutely crucial to drain and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture can make your sliders soggy, nobody wants that!
• Parmesan Cheese (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before the final bake adds a beautiful golden, crispy crust and an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor. It elevates the visual appeal and taste.
• Butter Topping (8 tablespoons unsalted butter, with seasonings): This savory butter mixture is the secret weapon! It’s brushed generously over the tops and sides of the rolls, soaking in and creating an incredibly golden, crispy exterior with an aromatic herby flavor. The blend of dried minced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper transforms plain butter into a flavor powerhouse.
• Marinara Sauce (warmed, optional, for serving): A warm side of marinara for dipping takes these sliders to the next level, adding a rich, tangy tomato element that truly enhances the Italian experience.

How to Make the Best Italian Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly golden, cheesy, and savory Italian sliders:

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. For even easier cleanup, you can line the pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures your sliders lift out beautifully.
2. Craft the Flavorful Butter Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the dried herbs. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the dried minced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This seasoned butter is crucial for the sliders’ incredible flavor and golden crust.
3. Slice and Brush the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. It’s important to keep the individual rolls attached to maintain structural integrity. Place the bottom half of the rolls evenly into your prepared baking pan. Now, brush about 2 tablespoons of your delicious butter mixture over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. This infuses flavor from the inside out!
4. Layer the Savory Fillings: On the bottom half of the rolls in the pan, begin layering your ingredients in the following order: start with 6 slices of Provolone cheese, then add all the thinly sliced ham, followed by the salami, then the pepperoni. If you’re using roasted red pepper strips, ensure they are very dry, then spread them over the meats. Finish this layer with the remaining 6 slices of Provolone cheese. Do NOT add the top slab of rolls yet.
5. First Bake (Melt the Cheese): Place the pan, uncovered, into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake allows the cheese to start melting and the flavors to meld, creating a warm, inviting foundation.
6. Second Bake (Golden Perfection): Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully place the top half of the rolls back onto the sliders. Now, take the remaining butter mixture and generously brush it over the top and sides of the assembled rolls. If you’re using grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the buttered tops. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes.
7. Final Bake and Serve: After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This final uncovered bake creates that irresistible crispy crust. Once done, remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes to set, then cut into individual sliders. Serve them hot, perhaps with a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Sliders Every Time

• Don’t Skip the Butter Glaze: The seasoned butter is what takes these sliders from good to absolutely incredible. It infuses flavor and creates a beautiful golden, slightly crispy crust.
• Dry Those Peppers: If using roasted red peppers, make sure they are thoroughly drained and patted dry. Excess moisture can make the rolls soggy.
• Thinly Slice Your Meats: Deli meats should be thinly sliced for the best texture and to ensure even layering. This prevents the sliders from becoming too bulky.
• Vary the Cheese: While Provolone is classic, feel free to experiment! A blend of Provolone and mozzarella, or even a smoked Provolone, can add interesting nuances.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the sliders with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning while the cheese finishes melting.
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the sliders cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to cut and serve without the filling oozing out excessively.

Variations and Customizations for Your Italian Sliders

One of the best things about sliders is their versatility! Here are some ideas to customize your Italian sliders:

• Meat Swaps:
  • Spicy Kick: Add some thinly sliced capicola or hot soppressata for more heat.
  • Chicken or Turkey: For a lighter option, use thinly sliced roasted chicken or turkey breast, perhaps with a drizzle of pesto.
  • Vegetarian: Load them up with extra roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, along with various cheeses.
• Cheese Choices:
  • Mozzarella: Pairs wonderfully with Provolone for an even gooier melt.
  • Fontina or Asiago: For a sharper, nuttier flavor profile.
  • Smoked Provolone: Adds a delightful smoky depth.
• Additional Fillings:
  • Pickled Peppers: Banana peppers or peperoncini can add a tangy, slightly spicy crunch.
  • Olives: Thinly sliced black or green olives introduce a briny flavor.
  • Onions: Caramelized onions or thinly sliced red onions can add sweetness or sharpness.
  • Pesto: A thin layer of basil pesto on the bottom rolls adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) can add intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Sauce Enhancements:
  • Garlic Aioli: A homemade or store-bought garlic aioli can be spread on the rolls before layering.
  • Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking adds a sweet and tangy finish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Italian Sliders

These savory sliders are hearty enough to be a main course but also shine as an appetizer. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement their rich flavors:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple garden salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, dressed with a light vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast.
• Crispy Veggie Sticks: A platter of crunchy carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips provides a healthy and satisfying side.
• Pasta Salad: A vibrant pasta salad, perhaps with a zesty Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, perfectly complements the theme.
• Classic Potato Chips: Sometimes, the simplest sides are the best. A bowl of classic, crunchy potato chips is an easy and universally loved option.
• Olives and Pickles: Offer a small dish of assorted olives and sliced pickles as a briny, tangy accompaniment that can be enjoyed on the side or added directly to the sliders.
• Warm Soup: A comforting bowl of roasted tomato basil soup or a hearty minestrone soup makes for a complete and cozy meal, especially on a cooler day.
• Caprese Skewers: Simple Italian skewers featuring fresh mozzarella balls, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze, are a fantastic fresh appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Italian Sliders

Can I prepare these Italian sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the sliders (layers of meat, cheese, and peppers on the bottom rolls) and prepare the butter mixture. Store the assembled bottom half, the top rolls, and the butter mixture separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the butter, top rolls, and baking steps. This can save you significant time on the day of your event.

Can I freeze leftover Italian sliders?

While you technically can, freezing is not recommended for cooked sliders as the texture of the bread and cheese can change upon thawing and reheating, often becoming soggy or rubbery. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

What if I don’t like roasted red peppers?

No problem at all! Roasted red peppers are completely optional. You can simply omit them from the recipe or substitute them with another ingredient you prefer, such as thinly sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a different type of pickled pepper.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

The main culprits for soggy rolls are excess moisture from fillings (especially roasted red peppers) and improper storage. Always ensure roasted red peppers are thoroughly drained and patted dry. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp up the tops if desired, rather than microwaving.

Can I use different types of rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their sweetness and softness, you can certainly experiment with other slider buns or dinner rolls. Keep in mind that the flavor profile and texture will vary. Look for rolls that are soft and sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

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5 from 17 votes

Italian Sliders Recipe

By

Chelsea Lords

Try this quick and simple Italian Sliders Recipe with ham, salami, pepperoni, roasted red peppers, and Provolone cheese.

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

35
minutes

Total Time:

50
minutes

Servings:

12
Sliders

Video

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

Sliders

• Cooking spray
• 12-count package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (see note 1)
• 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
• 5 ounces thinly sliced deli ham (approx. 12 slices)
• 2 ounces salami (approx. 12 large slices, see note 2)
• 2 ounces pepperoni (approx. 12 large slices or 24 smaller)
• 8 ounces roasted red pepper strips (optional, see note 3)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Marinara sauce, warmed (optional, for serving)

Butter Topping

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line pan with parchment paper.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the remaining ingredients listed under “butter.”
• Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached (see note 1). Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan.

  Brush 2 tbsp of the butter mixture on the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls (using 4 tablespoons in total).

• Layer in the following order: 6 slices of cheese, ham, salami, pepperoni, red pepper strips (if using), and 6 remaining slices of cheese. Do not add the top slab of rolls yet. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
• Remove pan from oven and place top half of the rolls onto the sliders. Brush the top and sides of the rolls generously with the remaining butter mixture. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Cover pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
• Serve hot, cutting into individual sliders. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: To slice the rolls, keep the entire block intact and cut horizontally through the middle.

Note 2: For best flavor and texture, I prefer using deli-sliced pepperoni and salami. Since deli slices are typically larger, you’ll only need about 12 slices of each. If you’re using smaller, pre-packaged meats, you might need about 24 pieces to ensure adequate coverage for all 12 sliders. Adjust quantities to your preference for a richer filling.

Note 3: If roasted red peppers aren’t to your taste, feel free to leave them out entirely. If you do include them, remember that 8 oz is roughly 1 cup. It is absolutely essential to thoroughly drain and squeeze out all extra moisture using a paper towel. Ensure they are very dry before adding them to your sliders to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.

Storage: Allow the Italian sliders to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, store them in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil, until warmed through and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
303
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
17
g

|

Protein:
13
g

|

Fat:
21
g

|

Saturated Fat:
11
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.4
g

|

Cholesterol:
59
mg

|

Sodium:
851
mg

|

Potassium:
134
mg

|

Fiber:
0.3
g

|

Sugar:
4
g

|

Vitamin A:
502
IU

|

Vitamin C:
9
mg

|

Calcium:
161
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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