Hot Italian Sub Sliders

There’s something truly special about a meal that can bring everyone together, and these Hot Italian Sub Sliders do just that. Loaded with layers of savory deli meats and melted cheese on soft, garlic-buttered rolls, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick party appetizer or a satisfying family dinner, these baked mini sandwiches deliver all the classic Italian sub flavor you love.

I’ll always remember the happy chaos of our family game nights, and these sliders take me right back. My dad, James, wasn’t a man of many words, but he showed his love by making sure everyone was well-fed and happy. He’d stand in the kitchen, carefully layering the meats and cheeses on soft Hawaiian rolls, a little smile on his face. The smell of the garlic butter and herbs warming in the oven was the official scent of family fun. Seeing everyone’s hands reach for a hot, gooey slider was his greatest reward.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

• Flavorful and Easy: This recipe layers classic Italian deli meats, two kinds of cheese, and zesty banana peppers for a flavor-packed sandwich that’s incredibly simple to assemble.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Baked in a single pan, these pull-apart sliders are an ideal hot appetizer for a party, game day, or any large gathering.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these sliders can be ready in about 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap the meats and cheeses to suit your family’s preferences. The recipe is wonderfully versatile!

Gathering Your Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls are a great option)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz turkey salami, thinly sliced
• 8 oz chicken pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
• 8 oz smoked turkey or roast beef, thinly sliced
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup sliced banana peppers, drained
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Garlic-Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

My Go-To Tools for This Recipe

A Trusty 9×13 Inch Pan

A sturdy 9×13 inch pan is my go-to for ensuring these sliders bake evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melty without spilling over.

My Favorite Little Pastry Brush

For me, a good pastry brush is essential for evenly spreading that delicious garlic-butter topping over every nook and cranny of the rolls.

Let’s Build These Sliders Together

First, Let’s Get Everything Warmed Up

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my 9×13 inch pan with a sheet of parchment paper, it makes cleanup a breeze! Then, take your slab of slider rolls and, without pulling them apart, carefully slice them in half horizontally with a serrated knife.

Now, for a Kiss of Seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. This little dressing is a game-changer! Brush it evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.

Time to Layer All That Goodness

Now for the fun part! On the bottom half of the rolls, start layering your ingredients. I always start with the provolone, followed by the turkey salami, pepperoni, and then the smoked turkey or roast beef. Next, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella, and top it with the drained banana peppers, tomato slices, and red onion. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness if you have it.

The Golden, Buttery Finish

Place the top half of the rolls back on. In a separate small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Gently brush this glorious garlic-butter mixture all over the tops of the buns. Don’t be shy, let some of it drip down the sides for extra flavor.

Into the Oven They Go!

Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps the cheese get nice and melty without the tops getting too brown. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are a beautiful golden brown.

Just a Moment Before You Dive In

Patience is a virtue, especially with this recipe! Let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes before cutting them into 12 individual mini sandwiches. Serve them warm, maybe with a side of extra banana peppers or some marinara for dipping.

A Quick Note on Nutrition

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The values are calculated for one serving of the recipe.

For a Lighter Twist

• Whole Wheat Rolls: For an easy boost of fiber, swap the classic slider rolls for a whole wheat version.
• Leaner Meats: Stick with lean deli options like turkey and chicken, and look for low-sodium varieties to reduce the salt content.
• Load Up on Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or olives for extra nutrients and flavor.

How to Make It a Meal

• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a wonderful, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy sliders.
• Classic Soup Pairing: I love serving these with a comforting bowl of tomato soup, it’s perfect for dipping!
• Alongside Chips or Fries: For a classic and casual meal, you can’t go wrong with a side of your favorite potato chips or some crispy baked fries.

A Few of My Secrets for Success

• Avoiding Soggy Buns: Be sure to drain your banana peppers and pat the tomato slices dry to prevent the bottom buns from becoming soggy.
• The Perfect Golden Top: Don’t skip covering the sliders with foil for the first part of baking. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly while the tops just get lightly toasted, not burnt.
• The Five-Minute Wait: It can be tempting to dive right in, but letting the sliders rest for a few minutes allows the cheese to set, making them much easier to cut and serve without falling apart.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend wrapping them in foil and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, which helps them stay moist and delicious.

From My Kitchen to Yours

There is so much joy to be found in a simple, shared meal. I hope this recipe brings as many smiles to your table as it has to mine. It’s more than just a quick party dish; it’s a chance to gather your favorite people, create some new memories, and enjoy a little taste of home.

Answering Your Questions

Can I make these ahead of a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders completely, but wait to add the garlic-butter topping until just before you’re ready to bake them. Cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I want to try different meats?

This recipe is very flexible! Feel free to use other classic Italian deli meats like ham, capicola, or soppressata based on what you enjoy.

Are the banana peppers essential?

Of course not. If you’re not a fan of the tangy heat from banana peppers, you can leave them out or substitute them with roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.

Hot Italian Sub Sliders

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• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x

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Description

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are loaded with layers of savory deli meats, melty cheeses, and tangy banana peppers on soft garlic-buttered rolls. Perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners, they’re a crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Italian sub.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls work well)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz turkey salami, thinly sliced
• 8 oz chicken pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
• 8 oz smoked turkey or roast beef, thinly sliced
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup sliced banana peppers, drained
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Slice the slab of slider rolls in half horizontally without separating.
2. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush evenly over cut sides of rolls.
3. Layer provolone, turkey salami, pepperoni, and smoked turkey or roast beef on the bottom half. Top with mozzarella, banana peppers, tomato slices, onion, and parsley.
4. Place top half of rolls back on. Mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Brush over tops of rolls.
5. Cover pan with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 6–8 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and tops are golden brown.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into 12 sliders. Serve warm with optional extra banana peppers or marinara.

Notes

Drain banana peppers and pat tomato slices dry to avoid soggy buns. Covering with foil ensures melted cheese without burning tops. Let sliders rest before slicing so they hold together better.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: hot italian sub sliders, party food, baked sliders, italian sandwiches