These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are packed with tasty layers of meats, cheese, and spices, all tucked between fluffy rolls. They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
I love how easy they are to make! Just stack, bake, and enjoy the melty goodness. Plus, they’re great for sharing—unless you want to keep them all to yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet rolls are perfect for sliders, but if you can’t find them, try dinner rolls or any soft sandwich buns. They should be fluffy to hold the filling well.
Meats: Pepperoni, salami, and ham are classic choices. You can substitute turkey or chicken deli meats if you prefer. For a meatless option, try adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Creamy Cheese: Provolone is my favorite for its smooth melting quality. Mozzarella or even a spicy pepper jack also works great. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
Butter Mixture: If you’re watching your butter intake, try using olive oil mixed with seasonings instead. You’ll miss some richness, but it still adds flavor.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients Correctly?
Layering is key for balanced flavor and melty goodness. Start with a layer of pizza sauce on the bottom half of the rolls to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Evenly distribute the meat slices over the sauce, ensuring each slider gets a good amount.
- Next, stack the provolone cheese right on top of the meats so it melts into the layers below.
- Finally, place the top half of the rolls gently, pressing down lightly to keep everything together.
This method not only holds the sliders together but also ensures each bite has all the delicious flavors! Enjoy your sliders warm for the best experience.
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls or slider buns, split in half
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 12 slices of salami
- 12 slices of ham
- 12 slices of provolone cheese
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfectly quick for a family dinner or party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your sliders.
2. Prepare the Rolls:
Take your Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally. Make sure to keep the rolls attached on one side, just like a big sandwich. This will make it easy to layer everything inside.
3. Spread the Sauce:
Grab your pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This adds a delicious flavor and will keep everything moist!
4. Add the Meats:
Layer the pepperoni, salami, and ham evenly over the sauce. Make sure each slider gets some of that tasty meat!
5. Layer the Cheese:
Next, place the provolone cheese slices evenly over the layered meats. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Now, take the top half of the rolls and place it back on the assembled layers. Press down gently to compress the sliders just a bit; this helps them cook evenly.
7. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and dried parsley flakes until well combined.
8. Brush the Tops:
Use a brush to generously apply the seasoned butter mixture over the top of the rolls. This will give them a lovely golden color and amazing flavor!
9. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps to keep the sliders nice and moist.
10. Final Bake:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden brown.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice between the rolls to separate the individual sliders. Serve them warm with extra marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite deli meats. Turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like roasted vegetables can work well in these sliders.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you like a little kick, try adding slices of spicy pepperoni or jalapeños to the layers. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking for extra heat!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with aluminum foil and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply follow the cooking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
