Hot Italian Sub Sliders are a fun twist on a classic sandwich, packed with all the flavors you love in a smaller, easy-to-eat size. With spicy salami, pepperoni, melted cheese, and crisp veggies tucked inside soft slider buns, these little bites bring a perfect mix of heat and savory goodness. They’re great for when you want something satisfying but not too big.
I love making these sliders for casual get-togethers or game nights because they’re so quick to put together and everyone loves grabbing one (or three!). A little trick I’ve found is to brush the tops of the buns with garlic butter before baking, which adds extra flavor and makes them irresistibly soft and tasty.
These sliders are great served warm right out of the oven, but they’re also perfect for packing up as a lunch or snack. I often pair them with simple sides like chips or a fresh salad, but honestly, they’re delicious on their own. Whenever I make them, it feels like sharing a little slice of our favorite deli wrapped up in a fun, bite-sized sandwich!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Slider Rolls
- I like using Hawaiian sweet rolls for their soft texture and slight sweetness, which balance the spicy meats nicely. If you prefer less sweet, try plain dinner rolls or mini hoagie buns instead.
- Italian Meats
- Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham give these sliders their classic Italian sub flavor. For a milder version, swap pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or use all ham or salami only.
- Provolone Cheese
- This cheese melts beautifully and adds a gentle tang. Mozzarella or fontina are good substitutes if provolone isn’t handy.
- Veggies
- Tomato and cucumber add freshness and crunch. If you want more heat, you could add sliced banana peppers or pickled jalapeños.
- Butter & Herbs
- Brushing the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and herbs makes the tops golden and flavorful. Don't skip this step; it really ups the taste.
How Can I Make Sure These Sliders Stay Soft and Flavorful?
The key to soft, tasty Hot Italian Sub Sliders is how you prepare and bake them:
- Keep rolls connected: Cutting the rolls as a block helps them bake evenly and stay soft inside.
- Butter mix: The garlic herb butter brushed on both the top and bottom keeps the buns moist and adds great aroma.
- Cover while baking: Wrapping the sliders in foil traps steam, melting the cheese perfectly and warming the meats without drying the bread.
- Gentle bake: Baking at 350°F just long enough to heat through and melt cheese preserves the soft texture.
Following these tips will give you warm, cheesy sliders with soft buns and lots of flavor in every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the sliders together while they bake evenly.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the sliders warm and moist by trapping steam during baking.
- Pastry brush – helps you coat the rolls with butter and herbs easily for extra flavor.
- Sharp knife – needed to slice the slider rolls neatly without squishing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for roasted turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a little extra kick.
- Include sautéed bell peppers and onions to boost sweetness and texture.
- Mix in some fresh basil or arugula leaves for a bright, peppery touch.
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 slices of ham, folded and halved
- 12 slices of Genoa salami
- 12 slices of pepperoni
- 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
For The Butter Herb Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time to layer and assemble the sliders, and 15-20 minutes baking time to heat through and melt the cheese. Total time is about 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Slider Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice your slider rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected if you can — this makes assembling and baking easier. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
2. Make The Butter Herb Spread:
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Brush the bottom halves generously with this buttery mixture.
3. Layer The Fillings:
Spread mayonnaise and yellow mustard evenly over the buttered bottoms of the rolls. Then layer each with ham, Genoa salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Add thinly sliced tomato and cucumber on top. Drizzle a little Italian dressing over all, and season with salt and pepper if you like.
4. Finish & Bake:
Place the top halves of the rolls on the sliders and brush them with the remaining butter herb mixture. Cover the entire baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the sliders are nicely warmed through.
5. Serve Warm:
Remove the foil and slice the sliders apart if baked as one block. Serve right away while warm and melty.
These Hot Italian Sub Sliders bring together classic flavors in a fun, handheld form perfect for parties, snacks, or a hearty lunch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Meats in These Sliders?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ham, salami, or pepperoni for turkey, roast beef, or your favorite deli meats. Just be sure they’re sliced thin for easy layering and melting.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the bread soft and cheese melty.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Hawaiian Rolls?
Any soft slider buns, dinner rolls, or small hoagie rolls work great. Just pick ones that are soft and slightly sweet to complement the savory fillings.