Italian Sub Sliders

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner at home, these Italian Sub Sliders are the answer! Combining all the flavors of a classic Italian sub hearty deli meats, provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes into mini slider form, these sandwiches are not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. With a buttery, garlicky topping and a drizzle of Italian dressing, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing snack that will leave everyone asking for more.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious meal in under 40 minutes, these Italian Sub Sliders are versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Made with Hawaiian rolls, they’re soft and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the savory fillings inside.

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Ingredients for Italian Sub Sliders

To make these irresistible Italian sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients. You can easily find all of these at your local grocery store, and the best part is that you can mix and match meats and toppings to your preference.

• 12 Hawaiian rolls, cut in half: These soft and slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for your sliders. Their sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the salty meats and cheeses.
• 6 slices of Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon adds a savory and smoky element while keeping things lighter than traditional pork bacon.
• 6 slices of Chicken Ham: This lean deli meat provides a nice contrast to the other cured meats, adding both flavor and protein.
• 6 slices of salami: Salami brings the iconic Italian flavor to the sliders. Its slightly spicy, robust taste gives these sliders their authentic deli-style punch.
• 6 slices of provolone cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly tangy taste that complements the savory meats.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch to the sliders, balancing out the richness of the meats and cheese.
• 1 large tomato, sliced: The juiciness of the tomato enhances the freshness of the sliders while adding a slight acidity to balance out the flavors.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Spread on the rolls, the mayo adds creaminess and helps to keep the sliders moist and flavorful.
• ¼ cup Italian dressing: The tangy, zesty Italian dressing is drizzled over the sliders just before serving, enhancing the flavor profile with herbs and acidity.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps to make the buttery topping rich and flavorful.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: The melted butter, combined with the olive oil, is brushed over the tops of the sliders, adding a buttery, golden finish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb adds an authentic Italian flavor, perfectly seasoning the sliders.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory taste and gives the sliders that irresistible garlic-butter topping.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning with salt and pepper brings all the flavors together and ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Sub Sliders

These Italian Sub Sliders are super easy to make and don’t require much time or effort, making them a great go-to recipe when you’re in need of something fast and delicious. Let’s go through the steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the sliders. This ensures even baking and perfectly melted cheese.
2. Prepare the Rolls: Take 12 Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves into a lightly greased baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. The rolls should be snugly arranged so that they touch each other but aren’t overcrowded.

Step 2: Build the Sliders

1. Spread Mayonnaise: Using a spatula or butter knife, spread ¼ cup of mayonnaise evenly across the bottom halves of the rolls. This adds a creamy layer and prevents the sliders from being dry.
2. Layer the Meats: Begin by placing 6 slices of turkey bacon on the rolls, followed by 6 slices of chicken ham, and finally 6 slices of salami. You can fold the slices of meat in half to make them fit neatly on the rolls.
3. Add the Cheese: Next, layer 6 slices of provolone cheese over the meats. The cheese should cover most of the surface area so that it melts evenly during baking.
4. Top with Vegetables: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded lettuce over the cheese, and then place slices of tomato on top. These fresh veggies will add texture and balance to the richness of the meats and cheese.

Step 3: Add the Top Layer and Prepare the Topping

1. Place the Top Rolls: Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings, making sure each slider is properly aligned.
2. Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
3. Brush the Topping: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. This will create a flavorful, golden crust as the sliders bake.

Step 4: Bake the Sliders

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the sliders moist while ensuring that the cheese melts evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the tops of the rolls to turn golden brown and slightly crispy while the cheese fully melts.

Step 5: Serve with Italian Dressing

1. Drizzle with Italian Dressing: Once the sliders are out of the oven, drizzle ¼ cup of Italian dressing over the top for that extra burst of flavor. The zesty dressing enhances the overall taste and adds a refreshing tang.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Your Italian Sub Sliders are ready to serve! You can leave them in the baking dish or transfer them to a serving platter. Cut them apart and serve warm for the best experience. These sliders are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with chips, pickles, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Sub Sliders

• Quick and Easy: These sliders require minimal prep work, making them an ideal option when you need to feed a crowd quickly. The use of pre-made Hawaiian rolls and deli meats means you can throw these together in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, picnic, or family dinner, these Italian Sub Sliders fit any occasion. They’re easy to transport, making them great for potlucks or gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory deli meats, melted provolone, fresh veggies, and the buttery garlic-oregano topping ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match the deli meats, cheeses, and toppings to suit your taste. Add more veggies like roasted peppers, or swap the provolone for mozzarella or Swiss for a different twist.
• Easy to Scale: Whether you’re making these sliders for a small family or a large group, the recipe is easy to double or even triple, depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Tips for Making the Best Italian Sub Sliders

• Keep It Crispy: If you prefer a crispier top, consider broiling the sliders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time, cover them with foil, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or party planning.
• Variations: Switch up the meats and cheeses to create different flavor profiles. You can use pepperoni, capicola, or prosciutto for a more traditional Italian sub flavor, or add pepperoncini for a spicy kick.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an even creamier cheese layer, try using fresh mozzarella slices instead of provolone. The creamy texture will pair beautifully with the savory meats.

Conclusion: Perfectly Portable and Absolutely Delicious!

These Italian Sub Sliders are not only a breeze to make but also deliver in flavor and presentation. The soft Hawaiian rolls, melted provolone, savory meats, and fresh veggies come together in a perfect balance, while the garlic-butter topping and Italian dressing elevate the sliders to another level of deliciousness.

Whether you’re serving them as party appetizers or enjoying them as a quick dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. They’re satisfying, fun, and offer all the flavors of an Italian sub in a compact, bite-sized form.