These Italian Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, perfect for game day, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. With layers of savory deli meats, gooey melted cheese, and a zesty dressing, all tucked into soft slider rolls, these mini sandwiches pack big flavor into every bite.
I first made these for a neighborhood get-together, and they were gone before I could grab a second one! Now, they’re a staple for any gathering—and they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up just because.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Sliders
There’s so much to love about these Italian Sliders, and once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite.
First, they’re incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these sliders ready for the oven in no time.
Second, they’re perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or serving a hungry family, these sliders are easy to make in batches and always a hit.
Lastly, they’re bursting with flavor. The combination of salty Italian meats, melty cheese, and a tangy butter glaze creates a delicious harmony that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in these Italian Sliders contributes to their rich, savory flavor. Here’s a closer look:
- Slider Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls like Hawaiian rolls work best, providing a slightly sweet contrast to the savory fillings.
- Italian Meats: Layers of salami, pepperoni, and ham bring authentic Italian flavors. You can mix and match your favorites!
- Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella melt beautifully, creating that signature gooey, cheesy texture.
- Italian Dressing: This adds a tangy, herby kick that ties all the flavors together. Store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better!
- Butter Glaze: A mix of butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning brushed over the rolls gives them a golden, flavorful finish.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle on parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Make Italian Sliders
Making these Italian Sliders is as easy as layering, brushing, and baking. Let’s break it down step by step:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a single sheet. Place the bottom layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Fillings: Start with a layer of provolone cheese, followed by salami, ham, pepperoni, and then mozzarella cheese. Drizzle Italian dressing evenly over the fillings for extra flavor.
- Add the Top Layer: Place the top sheet of rolls back on and press gently to compress the sliders.
- Make the Butter Glaze: Melt butter and stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake: Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Hot: Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing them into individual pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Options
These Italian Sliders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual sliders in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen sliders, add an additional 5 minutes to the reheating time.
Variations and Substitutions
These sliders are endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meats for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers. Add a smear of pesto for extra flavor.
- Spicy Sliders: Add slices of spicy capicola or soppressata, and sprinkle red pepper flakes between the layers.
- Different Breads: Use ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, or even French bread for a unique twist.
- Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, cheddar, or even a sharp Asiago for a new flavor profile.
- Sauce Options: Replace Italian dressing with marinara or pesto for a completely different vibe.
Tips for Perfect Italian Sliders
- Press the Layers: Gently press the sandwich layers before baking to ensure they hold together well when sliced.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the sliders during the first part of baking helps the cheese melt evenly without over-toasting the bread.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
These Italian Sliders are the ultimate solution for any occasion, combining bold flavors and cheesy goodness into bite-sized perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe has you covered. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear—just make sure to save one for yourself!
PrintItalian Sliders Recipe
This Italian Sliders recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game days, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Featuring layers of deli meats like salami and ham, melty mozzarella, and zesty Italian seasoning baked into buttery Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are irresistibly delicious and super simple to make!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (or slider buns)
- 6 slices salami
- 6 slices deli ham
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Layer the rolls with salami, ham, provolone, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and slice into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Notes
- Customize with other deli meats like pepperoni or turkey.
- Add banana peppers or roasted red peppers for extra zing.
- Best served warm but can also be reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
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