Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Posted on

Delicious Hot Italian Sub Sliders with melted cheese, salami, ham, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning served on soft slider buns

Dinner Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Hot Italian Sub Sliders are miniature sandwiches bursting with bold flavors and perfect for any casual get-together. These little subs are loaded with spicy Italian meats like pepperoni and salami, melted cheese, and a zingy mix of pickled peppers or banana peppers that bring just the right amount of heat. Their soft rolls soak up all the juicy goodness, making each bite a delicious punch of Italian tastes.

I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re easy to eat and everyone gets to enjoy a little spicy kick without it being too overwhelming. One of my favorite tricks is to toast the slider rolls slightly before adding the fillings—that way, they have a little crunchy outside and stay soft inside, which makes the flavors pop even more. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, so I can spend more time with my guests and less time in the kitchen.

These sliders are awesome for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you want a fun, no-fuss meal that feels special. I like pairing them with simple sides like chips or a fresh salad to balance out the heat. Whenever I serve Hot Italian Sub Sliders, they disappear fast, and I always feel like I’ve nailed the perfect combo of spicy, cheesy, and hearty in a tiny, tasty package.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Slider Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are great for these sliders, but you can use any small sandwich rolls or even dinner rolls. Just pick ones that hold fillings well.

Meats: Salami, ham, and pepperoni bring that classic Italian sub flavor. If you want a lighter version, swap out some meats for turkey or chicken deli slices.

Provolone Cheese: This mild, melty cheese works great here. If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.

Pickled Jalapeños/Banana Peppers: These add the “hot” to the sub. Use fresh jalapeños if you want more heat, or mild pepper rings if you prefer less spice.

Butter & Seasonings: The melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder adds a flavorful crust. Olive oil can replace butter if you want a dairy-free option.

How Do You Keep Sliders Soft but Crispy When Baking?

Balancing soft rolls with a little crunch on top is key to slider success. Here’s how:

  • Slice whole slider rolls and keep them stacked together. This helps them bake evenly without drying out.
  • Brush the tops generously with the butter and seasoning mix. This creates flavor and helps get that golden crust.
  • Cover tightly with foil while baking to keep moisture in. The steam softens the inside rolls.
  • Remove foil in the last few minutes if you want a touch more crisp on top.

Following these steps means you get melty cheese, juicy fillings, soft rolls inside, and just a little crunchy, flavorful topping that makes these sliders irresistible.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect for holding the sliders in a snug, even layer while baking.
  • Small mixing bowl – For mixing the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  • Basting brush or spoon – To evenly coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
  • Sharp knife – For slicing the rolls and coordinating with the layers inside.
  • Aluminum foil – To wrap the sliders for even heating and melting the cheese.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Swap meats: Use turkey, roast beef, or chicken slices for a different flavor profile or to make it leaner.
  • Cheese choices: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar instead of provolone for a different melt and taste.
  • Veggie add-ins: Add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice it up: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the butter for more heat.

How to Make Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Sliders:

  • 12 slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls
  • 6 slices of salami, halved
  • 6 slices of ham, halved
  • 6 slices of pepperoni, halved
  • 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • 12 slices pickled jalapeños or banana peppers
  • 1/4 cup fresh lettuce, chopped (for garnish inside sliders)

For The Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or Italian dressing for extra tang

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In about half an hour, you’ll have warm, melty, and delicious Hot Italian Sub Sliders ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sliders:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the slider rolls horizontally, but keep the top and bottom parts together as one block to make assembling easier.

2. Add the Fillings:

Layer the bottom half of the rolls with the sliced salami, ham, and pepperoni evenly spread out. Next, place the provolone cheese on top of the meats. Then add slices of tomato, pickled jalapeños or banana peppers, and sprinkle the chopped fresh lettuce over the cheese.

3. Season and Bake:

Place the top half of the slider rolls over the fillings, covering them. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you like, add red wine vinegar or Italian dressing for some extra tang. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the top of the rolls. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered tops.

4. Heat and Serve:

Wrap the entire block of sliders tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through. Take them out, unwrap, and carefully slice between the rolls to separate each slider. Serve warm and enjoy!

Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Can I Use Different Meats or Cheese in These Sliders?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the salami, ham, and pepperoni with turkey, roast beef, or chicken slices. For cheese, mozzarella or cheddar work well as tasty alternatives to provolone.

How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly to keep them warm and melty.

Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to add the butter mixture and bake until you’re ready to serve.

What Can I Substitute for Pickled Jalapeños if I Don’t Like Spicy Food?

If you prefer less heat, try using mild banana peppers, roasted red peppers, or omit the spicy peppers altogether. They’ll still be delicious!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment