Italian Sliders Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of warm, cheesy fillings nestled between soft, buttery rolls. Italian sliders bring all the flavors of your favorite Italian deli into a bite-sized, shareable snack. Perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy weeknight meal, these sliders are as versatile as they are delicious.

this Recipe

I first made these sliders when I needed a quick and crowd-pleasing dish for a last-minute get-together. They were an instant hit, and now they're my go-to for any occasion. Ready to learn how to make these irresistible Italian sliders? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Italian Sliders

These Italian sliders are about to become your new favorite recipe, and here’s why:

Easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these sliders ready for the oven in under 10 minutes.

Full of flavor. From savory deli meats to melty cheese and a tangy garlic butter topping, every bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness.

Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or whipping up a quick dinner, these sliders are versatile and always a hit.

Customizable. You can tailor the ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand, making this a recipe that works for everyone.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these Italian sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make them shine.

Ingredients Notes

Creating Italian sliders is all about layering high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Hawaiian rolls. These slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base, balancing the savory fillings with a touch of sweetness. You can also use brioche or any soft dinner rolls.

Deli meats. Layers of salami, pepperoni, and ham bring classic Italian flavors to every bite. Feel free to adjust the meats based on your preference.

Cheese. Mozzarella is the go-to for its melty goodness, but adding a layer of provolone or parmesan takes these sliders to the next level.

Marinara sauce. A thin spread of marinara sauce keeps the sliders moist and adds a tangy, zesty kick. Use your favorite brand or make your own.

Butter and seasonings. A glaze made of melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan transforms these sliders into golden, flavor-packed bites.

That’s it – simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.

How to Make These Italian Sliders

Making Italian sliders is as easy as layering, glazing, and baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare your rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.

2. Layer the fillings. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom rolls. Add layers of salami, ham, and pepperoni, followed by slices of mozzarella.

3. Top it off. Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings. Make sure they align neatly for even baking.

4. Make the garlic butter glaze. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

5. Bake to perfection. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

6. Serve and enjoy. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then slice them apart and serve warm. Pair with extra marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a tray of delicious sliders ready to wow your guests (or satisfy your cravings).

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate. Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freeze. Wrap individual sliders in aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat. Warm sliders in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This keeps the rolls soft and the cheese perfectly melty.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Italian sliders is how customizable they are. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

Vegetarian option. Replace the meats with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. Add extra cheese for a hearty, satisfying bite.

Spicy sliders. Add slices of spicy capicola or hot salami, and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a kick.

Pesto sliders. Swap the marinara for pesto and use provolone cheese for a fresh, herbaceous twist.

Breakfast sliders. Layer scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese for a morning-friendly variation.

Gluten-free version. Use gluten-free rolls and ensure your marinara sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

No matter how you customize these sliders, they’ll always be a crowd-pleaser.

Italian sliders are the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees happy taste buds and full bellies. Give them a try – you won’t regret it!

Print