Name: Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12-pack soft dinner rolls (King’s Hawaiian rolls recommended), halved lengthwise; 6 oz thinly sliced ham; 5 oz thinly sliced salami; 5 oz thinly sliced pepperoni; 9 slices provolone cheese; ⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini; ⅓ cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers; ¼ cup salted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh recommended); 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal, bursting with savory meats, melted provolone, and a flavorful garlic butter topping. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, they combine classic Italian deli flavors in a convenient slider form.

The image shows several small sandwiches on white bread rolls with a golden-brown, herb-speckled top layer. Each sandwich has multiple layers inside: a base of fluffy white bread, followed by thin slices of reddish meat, then a layer of mixed vegetables including pale green shredded lettuce, bright red pepper pieces, light green pickled slices, and small chunks of purple onion. Fresh dark green basil leaves are placed around the sandwiches on a white marbled background. One sandwich is cut in half, revealing the clear layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-pack soft dinner rolls (King’s Hawaiian rolls recommended), halved lengthwise
6 oz thinly sliced ham
5 oz thinly sliced salami
5 oz thinly sliced pepperoni
9 slices provolone cheese
⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini
⅓ cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers

¼ cup salted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh recommended)

Optional for serving: 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Place the bottom halves of the rolls on a baking sheet or pan. Layer on the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, and hot cherry peppers. Then top with the upper halves of the rolls.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the sliders, making sure to coat every part thoroughly.
Step 4: Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Remove from the oven, slice the sliders, and serve warm. Offer marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce before baking.
Use different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a milder or creamier flavor.
Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a fresh herbal touch.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of pickled hot cherry peppers or omit them.
Brush the tops again halfway through baking for a richer garlic butter flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows four small sandwiches on a wooden board, each with a shiny, golden-brown bun sprinkled with black pepper and coarse salt on top. The sandwiches have three visible layers inside: the bottom layer is a soft, pale bread base, followed by melted white cheese slightly oozing out, above that is folded slices of salami or similar cured meat, topped with bright red tomato slices, thin green pickles, and fresh green basil leaves. The sandwiches are close together with a slightly blurred background of small white bowls containing sauces, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have pepperoncini or pickled cherry peppers?

You can substitute with sliced banana peppers or omit them if you prefer less heat. Adding extra Italian seasoning can help boost flavor.