Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these Hot Italian Sub Sliders—a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly zesty twist on everyone’s favorite classic deli sandwich. These sliders pack layers of spicy meats, gooey provolone, tangy peppers, and garlicky butter all nestled between soft, golden rolls. They’re outrageously easy to make, perfect for game days, potlucks, or even a satisfying family dinner when you want something a little extra special. One bite and you’ll see why these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, flavorful ingredients coming together with zero fuss. Each element brings something essential—whether it’s smoky, salty, spicy, or creamy—and the result is pure sandwich bliss.
- 12 pack rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls (like Kings Hawaiian) provide the perfect pillowy base and hold everything together.
- 6 oz ham, thinly sliced: Adds a mild, savory flavor and layers beautifully for that signature Italian sub taste.
- 5 oz salami, thinly sliced: Offers bold, peppery notes and a welcome pop of color.
- 5 oz pepperoni, thinly sliced: Brings irresistible zest and just the right touch of heat.
- 9 slices provolone cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, giving the sliders their satisfyingly gooey pull.
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced: Lends a vinegary tang and subtle spice that wakes up every bite.
- 1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced: Adds a sweet-spicy kick and a splash of vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted: Bathes the sliders in rich flavor and toasts the tops beautifully.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a balanced bouquet of herbs that ties all the classic flavors together.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Brings fresh, aromatic depth to the buttery topping; fresh really makes a difference!
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Perfect for dunking, this brings a warm, tomato-y finish that echoes sub shop comfort food.
How to Make Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures your sliders bake up hot, toasty, and evenly melted. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference for that perfectly golden finish!
Step 2: Build the Sliders
Slice the rolls in half horizontally (if they aren’t already), keeping them attached if possible for easy assembly. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or pan. Now the fun begins—layer on the ham, then add a blanket of salami, followed by pepperoni. Next, drape the provolone slices over the top so every sandwich gets that melty cheese goodness. Scatter the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini evenly across the top before replacing the roll tops.
Step 3: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and freshly crushed garlic. This mixture is pure flavor magic! Using a pastry brush, make sure you coat the tops of the rolls generously, getting that luscious garlic-herb butter into every nook and cranny. This step not only brings major flavor but helps the sliders toast up irresistibly golden on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake your Hot Italian Sub Sliders at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. The goal is for everything to heat through and the cheese to be perfectly melty. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you like an extra toasty top—just keep an eye so it doesn’t brown too much.
Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Dip
Let the sliders cool for just a minute or two, then slice them apart. They’re best served hot and melty! I love serving these with a big bowl of marinara sauce for dipping—it’s the ultimate finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, try sprinkling a little chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil over your Hot Italian Sub Sliders right before serving. You can also add a dusting of freshly grated parmesan or some extra sliced pepperoncini for a little more zing. Serving them on a rustic wooden board makes them look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with crisp, oven-baked fries or a vibrant Italian chopped salad. For a lighter feel, try a simple arugula salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette. And don’t forget the marinara sauce on the side—it brings the whole Italian sub shop vibe right to your table!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the Hot Italian Sub Sliders in a circle on a big platter and scatter extra peppers in the center for a festive look. Turn them into a “slider bar” by offering extra toppings or sauces—think roasted red peppers, giardiniera, more cheese, or even a drizzle of pesto. They also make a fan-favorite addition to game day spreads or potluck tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hot Italian Sub Sliders, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know the bread will soften a bit, but they’ll still taste fantastic!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these sliders before baking! Assemble everything, brush with the garlic butter, then wrap the whole batch in a couple of layers of foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, just bake from frozen—no thawing needed, but add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftover sliders with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until everything is hot and the cheese is melted again. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop individual sliders into the microwave for about 30 seconds, but the oven gives you back that toasty edge.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Italian Sub Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to brush on the garlic butter until right before baking to keep the bread at its best.
What other cheeses work in these sliders?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar work beautifully here. For extra decadence, try a little shredded parmesan.
How spicy are these Hot Italian Sub Sliders?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the pepperoni, pepperoncini, and hot cherry peppers. If you’re serving spice-sensitive folks, you can use mild peppers or decrease the amount—adjust to your taste!
Can I use different types of rolls?
Yes! While Kings Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that’s amazing, slider buns, dinner rolls, or even split hoagie rolls all work well for this recipe. Just keep them soft so they soak up all that garlic butter.
What’s the best way to keep the sliders warm for a party?
After baking, you can keep Hot Italian Sub Sliders warm in a low oven (around 200 degrees F) covered in foil until ready to serve. They also stay nice and gooey if you cover them with foil for transport to a party.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to make a batch of Hot Italian Sub Sliders and share them with family or friends! The flavor, the ease, the melty cheese—these are the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food moments we all crave. Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Print
Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for parties or a casual dinner. Layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese are topped with hot cherry peppers and peperoncini, then baked to golden perfection. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
Rollls:
- 12 pack rolls, halved lengthwise (I recommend Kings Hawaiian rolls)
Meats:
- 6 oz package of ham, thinly sliced
- 5 oz package of salami, thinly sliced
- 5 oz package of pepperoni, thinly sliced
Cheese and Peppers:
- 9 slices provolone cheese
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed (I recommend fresh over jarred.)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Layer the rolls: Lay the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet. Layer ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, hot cherry peppers, and peperoncini. Replace the top buns.
- Prepare seasoned butter: Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and crushed garlic. Brush the mixture over the sliders.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Slice and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add more cheese or adjust the amount of peppers to suit your taste.
- These sliders are best served warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian Sub, Sliders, Party Food, Easy Appetizer, Hot Sandwich
