These Italian Grinder Sliders are a flavor-packed mini version of the classic grinder sandwich that you can whip up in just 30 minutes! This recipe starts with sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with layers of deli meats and melty cheese, all topped with a savory glaze and a tangy homemade grinder salad. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a quick family dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. First, it is perfect for any occasion, serving as a fun party appetizer, a kid-friendly dinner, or a delicious lunch option. Despite their mini size, these sliders offer big flavor thanks to the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and savory Italian cold cuts.
The irresistible glaze made of butter, parmesan, and garlic powder creates a beautiful golden crust that takes the bread to the next level. Additionally, this recipe is highly scalable; you can easily double it in a 9×13 baking dish to feed a large crowd or cut it in half for a smaller meal. Finally, it is just fun for everyone, providing a variety of textures from the melty cheese to the crunchy, tangy grinder salad topping.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Italian Grinder Sliders, you will need the following ingredients:
- Hawaiian rolls: 12 sweet and fluffy rolls.
- Sliced ham: 8 ounces of honey or black forest ham.
- Provolone cheese: 4 ounces of sliced provolone.
- Pepperoni: 3 ounces of thinly sliced pepperoni.
- Salami: 3 ounces of thinly sliced Italian salami.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted for the glaze.
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons, grated.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon for the glaze and 1/2 teaspoon for the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Shredded lettuce: 8 ounces of iceberg or romaine.
- Tomato: 1/2 cup, diced.
- Pepperoncini peppers: 1/2 cup, sliced.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup for the salad dressing base.
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon for acidity.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon of your favorite blend.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect hot Italian sliders:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the Fillings: Place the provolone cheese slices directly on the bread. Follow this with the ham, pepperoni, and salami. Placing the cheese on the bottom helps protect the bread from getting soggy.
- Add the Tops: Place the top half of the rolls back onto the meat layers. Use a sharp knife to cut through the sandwiches between each roll to make them easier to pull apart later.
- Apply the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Prepare the Salad Dressing: While the sliders are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Toss the Salad: Add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini peppers to the dressing bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Once the sliders are out of the oven, carefully lift off the top layer of rolls. Spread the grinder salad mixture over the warm meat and cheese.
- Serve: Replace the roll tops and serve immediately while the bread is warm and the salad is fresh and crisp.
Expert Tips
To get the absolute best results with your Italian Grinder Sliders, keep these expert tips in mind:
Layer the cheese on the bottom: By placing the cheese underneath the meat, you create a barrier that prevents the juices from the deli meats from soaking into the bottom bun, keeping your sliders from becoming soggy.
Prepare the salad last: Do not toss the lettuce with the dressing until the sandwiches are almost out of the oven. This ensures the salad stays crunchy and prevents the moisture from wilting the greens.
Customize your meats: While ham, salami, and pepperoni are traditional, feel free to swap in turkey, roast beef, or even spicy capicola to suit your preferences.
Make-ahead assembly: You can assemble the meat and cheese portions of the sandwiches a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then simply add the glaze and bake when you are ready to eat.
Use a 9×13 dish for doubling: If you are feeding a larger group, 24 sliders (two packs of rolls) fit perfectly in a standard 9×13 baking dish.
Italian Grinder Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.12 Hawaiian rolls
- Place the provolone cheese slices directly on the bread. Follow this with the ham, pepperoni, and salami. Placing the cheese on the bottom helps protect the bread from getting soggy.4 ounces Provolone cheese, 8 ounces Sliced ham, 3 ounces Pepperoni, 3 ounces Salami
- Place the top half of the rolls back onto the meat layers. Use a sharp knife to cut through the sandwiches between each roll to make them easier to pull apart later.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.2 tablespoons Butter, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder, Salt and Pepper
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- While the sliders are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.0.25 cup Mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Salt and Pepper, 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini peppers to the dressing bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated.8 ounces Shredded lettuce, 0.5 cup Tomato, 0.5 cup Pepperoncini peppers
- Once the sliders are out of the oven, carefully lift off the top layer of rolls. Spread the grinder salad mixture over the warm meat and cheese.
- Replace the roll tops and serve immediately while the bread is warm and the salad is fresh and crisp.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone offers that classic Italian flavor, mozzarella, Swiss, or even white cheddar are excellent substitutes that melt well.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
The best way to prevent sogginess is to layer the cheese first on the bottom bun and to ensure you only add the dressed grinder salad right before serving.
Can these sliders be served cold?
Yes, if you prefer a cold sandwich or need a make-ahead option for a picnic, you can assemble these without baking them. Just skip the butter glaze or use a small amount of herb-infused oil instead.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the meat and cheese rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is best to store the salad separately, as the lettuce will wilt. Reheat the sliders in the oven or microwave and add fresh salad before eating.
What are the best sides to serve with these?
These sliders pair beautifully with baked potato wedges, a fresh Caprese salad, or even a simple side of potato chips and pickles.