Easy Italian Sliders: A Deliciously Irresistible Appetizer

Servings: 4 Total Time: 25 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Quick, Delicious Italian Sliders Everyone Will Love
Golden-brown Italian sliders with melted cheese and sliced ham, oozing filling, arranged closely together. pinit

Try these Italian Sliders! Sweet rolls, savory meats, melted cheese, and a tangy kick – the ultimate party snack or game-day favorite in just minutes!

Italian sliders are the ultimate game-day snack or party hit. Imagine layering salty salami, pepperoni, and ham between soft rolls, brushing them with a zesty butter glaze, and baking them to perfection. Kings Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls provide a sweet and tender base that balances the savory meats and melted provolone cheese. Banana peppers add a tangy kick, and dill relish completes the mix, delivering irresistible, hearty flavors. Whether you prepare them for a holiday party season or serve them at a cozy family dinner, these sliders offer a quick, easy dish that tastes like it took hours.

Inspired by classic Italian sandwiches, this recipe combines the best of bold, traditional flavors and the convenience of easy prep. As someone who loves tailgating, I can’t imagine a better addition to the spread. A creamy mix of lettuce, mayonnaise, and cheese makes every bite extra luscious. These mini Italian sandwiches are quick to prepare—assemble, bake for 20 minutes, and watch them disappear as your guests grab them by the handful. Add a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a dish that’s as fun and flavorful. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a big football season celebration, these sliders are guaranteed to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Slider Recipe

  • Effortless to Make: With minimal prep and simple steps, these sliders are ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for any occasion.
  • A Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers the perfect mix of salty pepperoni, savory salami, smoky ham, and gooey provolone cheese, balanced with the crunch of fresh lettuce, the zing of banana peppers, and the creaminess of mayo.
  • Great for Any Gathering: Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a festive holiday spread, these sliders are a crowd-favorite finger food.
  • Endlessly Customizable: Change up the meats, swap cheeses, or add your favorite toppings to create perfect flavor combinations.
  • Sweet and Tangy Perfection: The softness of Hawaiian rolls combined with tangy toppings and melted cheese makes these sliders a proper comfort food.
  • Messy but Worth It: They might get your fingers a little saucy, but that makes them all the more satisfying!

Ingredients

Salad Topping

  • 8 Oz Shredded Lettuce
  • 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 Cup Red Onion, diced
  • 1/2 Cup Dill Pickles, chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Pickled Banana Peppers, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp Beano Submarine Dressing

The Meats

  • 4 Oz Deli Ham
  • 4 Oz Deli Salami
  • 4 Oz Deli Pepperoni you can use a variety of any kind of meat that you like!

Kings Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls (12 count)

  • 4-6 Oz Smoked Provolone cheese, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning

Special Tip

Mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted butter a day before to let the flavors meld for an extra flavor.

Directions To Make Italian Sliders

Assorted ingredients for making Italian Sliders, including sliced meats, cheeses, rolls, vegetables, and sauce on a wooden board.
A variety of ingredients, including deli meats, cheeses, rolls, and toppings, arranged on a wooden board for an Italian Sliders recipe.

Prepare the Salad Topping

In a bowl, combine shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, diced red onion, chopped dill pickles, chopped pickled banana peppers, and Beano Submarine Dressing (or substitute with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning). Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Prepare the Rolls

    Slice King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in an oven-safe baking tray or a 9×13 baking dish. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the rolls. Toast the bottom rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden brown. (This step keeps the rolls from getting soggy!)

      Layer the Ingredients

      Once the bottom rolls are toasted, layer the sliced provolone cheese, deli ham, followed by salami and then pepperoni. Another layer of smoked provolone cheese. Spread the chilled salad topping evenly over the top of the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

        Add the Butter Glaze

        In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls for extra flavor.

          Thinly sliced deli meats topped with red onion rings, cheese cubes, and seasoning in a square baking dish on a wooden surface.
          Layers of sliced deli meats, red onions, and cheese cubes arranged in a square baking dish, ready for baking.

          Bake

          Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

            Freshly baked slider buns filled with layers of ham and cheese on a tray, served with a bowl of seasoned melted butter in the foreground.
            Soft slider buns stuffed with ham, arranged on a tray, paired with a bowl of seasoned melted butter for brushing.

            Serve

            Remove the sliders from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy these flavorful, melty sliders with friends and family!

              Soft sesame-topped sliders filled with layers of ham, cheese, and onion, served on a white platter with sides in the background.
              Freshly made ham and cheese sliders, sesame seed-topped buns, served with dips and garnishes on the side.

              Tips for Variations and Substitutions

              • Meat Options: Swap deli ham, salami, or pepperoni with turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto.
              • Cheese Swaps: Use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar if you prefer.
              • Vegetarian Version: Replace the meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
              • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns.
              • Heat Lovers: Add jalapeños or hot banana peppers for a spicy version.

              What to Serve With Italian Sliders

              Complete your meal with these delicious sides, dips, and drinks that perfectly complement the rich flavors of Italian sliders.

              Sides

              • Crisp Caesar Salad
              • Sweet Potato Fries
              • Roasted Garlic Potatoes
              • Fresh Fruit Salad
              • Light Vegetable Soup
              • Potato Chips
              • air fryer potato wedges

              Dips

              • Marinara Sauce
              • Garlic Aioli
              • Ranch Dressing

              Drinks

              • Chilled Soda
              • Sparkling Water

              Storage

              • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
              • Freezer: Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

              Tools for Serving and Eating

              • Serving Tools: Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders and a spatula for easy serving. Small bowls are perfect for holding dips like marinara or garlic aioli.
              • Eating Tips: These sliders are ideal as finger food, so no utensils are needed! The marinara sauce makes dipping simple and enjoyable.
              Golden-brown Italian sliders with melted cheese and sliced ham, oozing filling, arranged closely together. pinit
              0 Add to Favorites

              Easy Italian Sliders: A Deliciously Irresistible Appetizer

              Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins
              Servings: 4 Calories: 270
              Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Fall, Winter

              Description

              Try these Italian Sliders! Sweet rolls, savory meats, melted cheese, and a tangy kick – the ultimate party snack or game-day favorite in just minutes!

              Ingredients

              Special Tip

              Directions

                1. Mix lettuce, mayonnaise, red onion, dill pickles, banana peppers, and Beano Submarine Dressing (or substitute). Chill until ready.
                2. Slice King’s Hawaiian Rolls horizontally, place bottoms in a greased baking dish, spread with mayo, and toast at 350°F until golden.
                3. Add provolone cheese, ham, salami, pepperoni, and another layer of provolone. Spread salad topping on top and cover with the top rolls.
                4. Mix melted butter and Italian seasoning, and brush over the tops of the rolls.
                5. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden.
                6. Sprinkle it with Parmesan, serve with marinara sauce, and enjoy warm!

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                Notes:

                Substitutions and Tweaks

                • No Submarine Dressing? No worries! Just mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar,1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. It’s a simple, tasty alternative!
                • Not a Fan of Mayo? Use butter instead for toasting the buns. But whatever you do, don’t skip toasting—it keeps your sliders from getting soggy.

                Timing Tips

                • Make Them Fresh: Try to prepare these no more than an hour before serving. They’re best when eaten fresh and can get soggy if left too long.

                Hot or Cold?

                • Skip the Heat: If you’re in a rush or prefer them cold, that’s fine! These sliders are just as amazing when served cold.

                Have Fun With Toppings

                • Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Try your favorite toppings—there are endless combinations to explore. Make them your own!
              Nutrition Facts

              Servings 4


              Amount Per Serving
              Calories 270kcal
              % Daily Value *
              Total Fat 15g24%
              Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
              Dietary Fiber 1g4%
              Protein 14g29%

              * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

              Keywords: Italian Sliders, Slider Recipes, Italian Slider Recipe, Italian Sandwich Sliders, Italian Sandwich Sliders,
              Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

              Frequently Asked Questions

              Expand All:
              1. Can I make Italian sliders ahead of time?

              Yes, you can assemble the sliders without brushing them with butter, then cover and refrigerate. Brush with butter right before baking for best results. For optimal freshness and to avoid sogginess, it's recommended to prepare and bake the sliders fresh. You can prepare toppings like the salad in advance and assemble just before baking.

              2. What can I use instead of King's Hawaiian rolls?

              You can use brioche rolls, slider buns, or small ciabatta rolls as substitutes. Any soft, pull-apart rolls will work well for this recipe.

              3. Can I freeze Italian sliders?

              Yes, you can freeze Italian sliders! To do so, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven for best results.

              Alternatively, you can wrap the entire batch of assembled sliders in foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time. This method is convenient for preparing in advance and enjoying later!

              4. Are these sliders good cold?

              Yes, Italian sliders are delicious cold! If you prefer not to heat them, they still taste great as a cold sandwich. The flavors of the meats, cheese, and condiments meld together beautifully, making them a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches.

              5. How can I make Italian sliders spicier?

              To add some heat to your Italian sliders, try these options:

              • Jalapeños: Slice fresh jalapeños and layer them inside the sliders for a burst of heat.
              • Crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the sauce or inside the buns to give them a fiery kick.
              • Spicy deli meats: Swap in spicy deli meats like hot capicola, pepperoni, or spicy salami for an extra layer of spice.

              These simple additions will turn up the heat without compromising the delicious flavors!

              6. Can I cook Italian sliders on a grill?

              Yes, you can cook Italian sliders on a grill! To do so, use a grill-safe tray or place the sliders on a piece of foil. Set the grill to low heat and cover it with the lid. Grill the sliders for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted to your liking. This method adds a nice smoky flavor and is perfect for outdoor gatherings!

              Leave a Comment

              Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

              10 − 5 =