These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—warm, cheesy, and packed with all your favorite deli flavors in one easy bite. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner. They bake up golden and buttery in just 35 minutes and are great served with your favorite marinara for dipping.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms the classic, hearty Italian sub into a shareable, no-mess finger food perfect for any gathering. It’s incredibly easy to assemble with minimal prep, making it a stress-free option for feeding a crowd. The buttery, garlic-herb topping soaks into the rolls, creating a rich, savory crust that contrasts perfectly with the spicy, cheesy interior. Plus, they can be made ahead and bake to perfection every time.
Ingredients
- 12 pack rolls, halved lengthwise: King’s Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their soft, slightly sweet texture that pairs perfectly with the savory fillings. Any soft slider or dinner rolls will work.
- 6 oz ham, thinly sliced: Use a quality deli ham like Black Forest ham for the best flavor.
- 5 oz salami, thinly sliced: Italian dry salami provides authentic, robust flavor.
- 5 oz pepperoni, thinly sliced: Adds a spicy, savory punch.
- 9 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. Mozzarella or Havarti can be substituted.
- ⅓ cup pepperoncini, sliced: Provides a tangy, mild heat. Adjust the amount or substitute with banana peppers for less spice.
- ⅓ cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced: Adds a sweet-spicy kick. Roasted red peppers can be used for a milder version.
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted: Creates the delicious, golden topping.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Use a quality blend for the best herb flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Fresh garlic is essential for the most potent and aromatic butter sauce.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving): For dipping. A quality store-bought or homemade sauce is perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish or sheet pan. Layer on the ham, followed by the salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese slices.
2. Add Peppers & Assemble: Evenly distribute the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini over the cheese. Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back on.
3. Make & Apply Butter Wash: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic. Stir well. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the sliders with the seasoned butter mixture, getting it into all the seams.
4. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the rolls are golden brown and heated through.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
- Press Gently: After adding the top bun, press down lightly on the sliders to help them hold together when sliced and eaten.
- Butter Generously: Don’t be shy with the garlic-herb butter. Coating every nook ensures maximum flavor and a perfectly golden, soft top.
- Cover to Steam: Baking covered with foil is crucial. It steams the sliders, ensuring the meat heats through and the cheese melts completely without over-browning the bread.
- Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use freshly crushed garlic rather than jarred or powdered.
Variations & Substitutions
- Bread: Use mini ciabatta rolls, potato rolls, or even a sliced baguette for a different texture.
- Meats: Substitute mortadella, capicola, or soppressata for the salami or pepperoni.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, Fontina, or a sharp white cheddar are excellent alternatives to provolone.
- Heat Level: For mild sliders, use roasted red peppers and mild banana peppers. For extra spicy, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meats and add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with sliced mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders hot from the oven alongside a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a crisp Italian salad, garlic parmesan fries, or a simple cup of tomato soup. For a party spread, pair them with other favorites like spinach artichoke dip or buffalo chicken wings.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the sliders (including the butter wash), wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed (may need an extra 5-10 minutes).
- Reheating: The best method is to reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture. Reheat in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for 10-12 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information (Per Slider, approximate)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 15g
- Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.1 tbsp olive oil
- Add chopped vegetables and sauté until soft and fragrant.2 cups fresh vegetables
- Season with salt and black pepper, stir well, and cook for another 2–3 minutes.1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Hot Italian Sub Sliders!
Notes
FAQ
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them completely (including the butter wash), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if starting from cold.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply swap the hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini for mild banana peppers and roasted red peppers.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely. Use an 18-pack or 24-pack of Hawaiian rolls and scale the ingredients accordingly. You may need to use a larger baking sheet or two pans.
What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
Use a long, serrated knife to slice the entire slab of connected rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. This makes assembly much easier.