I recently made this Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe, and I have to say—they were a hit! The combination of melty cheese, savory deli meats, and a little spicy kick had me going back for seconds. I love how easy they come together, perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weeknight dinner.
Baking them fills the kitchen with such an irresistible aroma. Honestly, they might just become your new favorite slider recipe too! You can also enjoy similar flavors in Sausage Rolls with Hot Honey and Thyme for a sweet and savory twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what I used to make these flavorful sliders:
- Hawaiian rolls – 12 rolls, split but kept together. I prefer Kings Hawaiian for their soft texture that doesn’t get soggy.
- Deli ham – 6 ounces, thinly sliced. Choose a quality brand for that smoky flavor.
- Salami – 6 ounces, thinly sliced. I like Columbus Italian Dry Salame, but any Italian-style cured meat works.
- Pepperoni – 6 ounces, sliced. Adds that classic tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
- Provolone cheese – 6 slices, freshly sliced for melting evenly. You can also use mozzarella or mild cheddar.
- Hot cherry peppers – 2–3, sliced. Adds a gentle heat; can substitute with roasted red peppers.
- Peperoncini – 4–5, sliced. Pick your preferred spice level; they add a briny, tangy flavor.
- Butter – 4 tablespoons, melted. I use salted butter for a richer taste.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon. Gives that herby, aromatic touch.
- Fresh garlic – 1 clove, minced. Fresh is key for bold flavor.
- Marinara sauce – optional, for dipping. I like Rao’s for its authentic taste. ou can also pair your sliders with Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet ending to the meal.
Note: several servings
Variations
You can easily customize these sliders to your taste:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- Less spicy: Swap hot cherry peppers with mild banana peppers.
- Extra flavor: Add roasted red peppers, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Meat-free: Use grilled vegetables or plant-based deli slices.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the sliders evenly.
- Small bowl – for mixing melted butter and seasoning.
- Pastry brush – to brush the butter mixture on top.
- Knife – for slicing rolls and toppings.
How to Make Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Prepare the Rolls and Meat
Start by slicing the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them together as a tray. Layer your ham, salami, and pepperoni evenly across the bottom halves of the rolls.
Add Cheese and Peppers
Place provolone slices over the meat, then layer on hot cherry peppers and peperoncini. This creates a perfect balance of heat and flavor in every bite.
Mix Butter and Seasoning
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this over the top of the rolls to add flavor and help them brown beautifully.
Bake the Sliders
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and cheesy. Serve hot with marinara on the side.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always use freshly sliced provolone; it melts better and tastes richer.
- Don’t skip brushing with butter—it gives the rolls a golden, flavorful crust.
- I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for an extra kick.
- If making ahead, assemble but don’t bake; brush butter right before cooking.
How to Serve Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Serve these sliders on a wooden board or baking dish for a casual, inviting presentation. Garnish with extra peperoncini or parsley for color. I love pairing them with a small bowl of warm marinara for dipping—makes it feel like an Italian feast!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what one slider roughly contains:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
You can assemble the sliders up to the butter step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying.
Freezing
After baking, cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325–350°F for 3–5 minutes. The bread stays soft, and the cheese melts perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why:
- Easy to make: Only a few ingredients and steps.
- Versatile: Adjust the spice, cheese, or meats to your preference.
- Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for parties or game day.
- Flavor-packed: Every bite delivers melty cheese, savory meats, and tangy peppers.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance without sacrificing freshness.
These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are simple, satisfying, and irresistible. I’ve made them multiple times, and they never disappoint—perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself!
Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by slicing the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them together as a tray. Layer your ham, salami, and pepperoni evenly across the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place provolone slices over the meat, then layer on hot cherry peppers and peperoncini. This creates a perfect balance of heat and flavor in every bite
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this over the top of the rolls to add flavor and help them brown beautifully.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and cheesy. Serve hot with marinara on the side.
Notes
- I always use freshly sliced provolone; it melts better and tastes richer.
- Don’t skip brushing with butter—it gives the rolls a golden, flavorful crust.
- I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for an extra kick.
- If making ahead, assemble but don’t bake; brush butter right before cooking.
