Italian Sliders Recipe: The Best Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Craft irresistible Italian sliders with layers of savory meats with melted provolone, and a tangy lettuce mix on buttery rolls. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or quick snacks, this easy recipe delivers bold flavors and is ready in just 35 minutes!
Equipment
- baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Brush
- Sharp Knife
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls cut in half
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- ½ pound hard salami coarsely chopped
- ½ pound pepperoni coarsely chopped
- ½ pound thinly sliced turkey coarsely chopped
For the Lettuce Mixture:
- 8- ounce bag shredded lettuce
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ½ cup chopped banana peppers
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill relish
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
For Seasoned Butter Mixture:
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the sliders from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Lettuce Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced red onion, banana peppers, mayonnaise, dill relish, and Italian dressing. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the sliders.
- Cook the Meats: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey, pepperoni, and salami, and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meats are warmed through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toast the Bottom Rolls: Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread an even layer of mayonnaise over the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly toasted. This step helps create a sturdy base for the sliders and prevents sogginess.
- Assemble the Sliders: Remove the toasted rolls from the oven. Start by layering provolone cheese slices over the toasted rolls, ensuring full coverage. Next, evenly spread the cooked meat mixture over the cheese layer. This ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add the Top Rolls: Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the assembled layers, aligning them with the bottom rolls for a uniform appearance.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture. Reserve a small amount of the butter mixture for additional brushing later.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil doesn’t touch the tops of the rolls. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Add the Lettuce Mixture: Once baked, carefully remove the top halves of the rolls. Spread the chilled lettuce mixture evenly over the meat layer. Replace the top rolls, pressing gently to secure them. If desired, brush the tops with the remaining butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the sliders to cool slightly for 2–3 minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice them into individual portions. Serve them warm.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Swap provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda to experiment with different flavors and textures. These options add a unique twist to the traditional slider.
- Make it Spicy: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, spicy Italian sausage, or a drizzle of hot sauce to enhance the heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the Hawaiian rolls with lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Add Vegetables: Include grilled bell peppers, roasted zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms for a flavorful and nutritious addition.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or parsley on top of the sliders before baking to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Customize the Butter Mixture: Mix grated Parmesan or garlic into the melted butter for an extra burst of flavor on the rolls.