These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering warm, cheesy, and savory deli flavors in every single bite. Whether you are prepping for game day, a holiday party, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sandwiches bake up golden and buttery in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this Hot Italian Sub Sliders recipe in your permanent rotation. First, they are incredibly easy to assemble, making them perfect for entertaining large groups without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of salty Italian meats, melted provolone, and the tangy kick from pickled peppers creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to everyone. Plus, the seasoned garlic butter topping elevates simple rolls into a gourmet treat that pairs perfectly with a side of marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
- 12-pack Hawaiian rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 6 oz thinly sliced deli ham (Black Forest is recommended)
- 5 oz thinly sliced salami (Italian dry salame works best)
- 5 oz thinly sliced pepperoni
- 9 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/3 cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise so you have a top sheet and a bottom sheet of buns. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet or in a rectangular baking pan.
- Layer the meats onto the bottom buns starting with the ham, followed by the salami, and then the pepperoni.
- Place the slices of provolone cheese over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Spread the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini over the cheese layer.
- Place the top half of the rolls back onto the sandwich stack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed fresh garlic.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
- Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Sliders
To ensure your Hot Italian Sub Sliders come out perfectly every time, always use fresh garlic instead of the jarred variety for a more vibrant flavor. If you want the tops of your rolls to be extra crispy, you can remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. Additionally, using a serrated knife to slice the rolls horizontally will prevent them from tearing or squishing.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a milder sandwich, you can easily substitute the hot cherry peppers for roasted red peppers and use mild banana peppers instead of pepperoncini. For those who want more heat, adding sliced jalapeños or even a few habaneros will give these sliders a significant kick. While provolone is the classic choice, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a better cheese pull or havarti for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. To round out the meal, serve them alongside a crisp Caesar salad, a bowl of Italian wedding soup, or simple potato chips. They also make a great addition to a larger appetizer spread featuring jalapeño popper dip or baked feta.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes (covered with foil to prevent over-browning) or use an air fryer at 325 F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore the crispness of the bread.
To freeze, allow the baked sliders to cool completely, wrap them tightly in foil, and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating or bake directly from frozen at a lower temperature until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Slider |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 11g |
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise so you have a top sheet and a bottom sheet of buns. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet or in a rectangular baking pan.1 pack Hawaiian rolls
- Layer the meats onto the bottom buns starting with the ham, followed by the salami, and then the pepperoni.6 oz deli ham, 5 oz salami, 5 oz pepperoni
- Place the slices of provolone cheese over the meat, ensuring even coverage.9 slices provolone cheese
- Spread the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini over the cheese layer.1/3 cup pepperoncini, 1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers
- Place the top half of the rolls back onto the sandwich stack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed fresh garlic.1/4 cup salted butter, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 cloves fresh garlic
- Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
- Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.1 cup marinara sauce
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this recipe spicy?
These sliders have a noticeable kick due to the hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini, but they are generally considered medium-mild. You can control the heat by choosing mild versions of these peppers or swapping them for roasted red peppers.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd?
Yes! This is an excellent recipe for large gatherings. You can easily use larger packs of rolls (like the 18 or 24 counts) and double the meat and cheese layers to fit a larger baking sheet.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the meat, cheese, and peppers on the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, then add the butter mixture right before you are ready to bake. You may need to add 5 minutes to the bake time if they are cold from the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat Italian Sub Sliders?
The oven or air fryer is recommended over the microwave. Reheating in the oven at 350 F helps keep the bread from becoming soggy while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly again.