These Italian Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. We pack sweet Hawaiian rolls with layers of savory Italian deli meats like salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto, then top them with melted provolone cheese and zesty pepperoncini. A savory garlic and herb butter glaze gets brushed over the top before baking, creating a golden, gooey, and utterly irresistible sandwich. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day appetizer, or the star of your party menu, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We designed this recipe to be incredibly simple without sacrificing any flavor. You can assemble the sliders in just a few minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is perfectly balanced, and the soft rolls with the slightly crispy, buttery tops create a texture that everyone will love. Get ready for these to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Italian Sliders
- Incredibly Flavorful: Layers of distinct Italian meats, melted cheese, and a zesty garlic butter topping create a symphony of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe easily scales up or down, making it ideal for everything from a family dinner to a large party.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious sliders assembled and ready for the oven. They are a true time-saver!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap the meats and cheeses to use your favorites or what you have on hand. Check out our variations section for ideas!
Ingredients for the Perfect Italian Sliders
The key to amazing Italian Sliders is using quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavor-packed sandwiches.
For the Sliders:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: A 12-count package of King’s Hawaiian rolls is perfect. Their sweetness beautifully complements the savory fillings.
- Italian Deli Meats: We use a classic trio of Genoa salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto for that authentic Italian flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the meats.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Use sliced pepperoncini rings for a pop of tangy, slightly spicy flavor that cuts through the richness.
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- Butter: Salted butter forms the rich base of our glaze.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic Powder: For that essential savory, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds a deeper, savory note to the butter glaze.
How to Make Italian Sliders Step-by-Step
Making these baked Italian Sliders is as easy as assembling and baking. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your slab of Hawaiian rolls and, without separating them, carefully slice them in half horizontally using a large serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Meats and Cheese
Now for the fun part! Layer the ingredients evenly over the bottom rolls. Start with half of the provolone cheese, then add the Genoa salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto. Distribute the sliced pepperoncini rings over the meats, then top with the remaining provolone cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake the Sliders
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. If you have extra, you can let it drip down the sides. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before using a knife to cut them apart. Serve them warm and watch them vanish! For a fun twist on an Italian classic, try serving them alongside our Italian Grinder Salad.
Tips for Success
Want to make the absolute best Italian Sliders? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success.
- Don’t Separate the Rolls: Keep the slab of rolls intact when you slice and assemble. This makes assembly much faster and helps hold everything together while baking.
- Use Quality Deli Meats: The flavor of your sliders depends on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for good-quality meats and cheese from the deli counter if possible.
- Pat Pepperoncini Dry: To prevent the bottom buns from getting soggy, gently pat the pepperoncini rings with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the sliders.
- Cover with Foil First: Baking the sliders covered with foil for the first 15 minutes allows them to heat through and the cheese to melt without the tops burning. Removing the foil at the end creates that perfect golden-brown finish.
Variations and Substitutions for Italian Sliders
One of the best things about this Italian Sliders recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some popular variations to try.
- Different Meats: Swap the prosciutto for capicola, soppressata, or even sliced turkey or ham. For a different flavor profile, consider making oven-baked meatball sliders instead.
- Cheese Swaps: Mozzarella, Swiss, or a spicy pepper jack cheese would all be delicious alternatives to provolone.
- Add a Spread: For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of pesto, mayonnaise, or a garlic aioli on the inside of the rolls before layering the ingredients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little extra heat.
What to Serve with Italian Sliders
These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can create a full meal perfect for any occasion.
- Salads: A fresh green salad, pasta salad, or a creamy cottage cheese chicken salad balances the richness of the sliders.
- Fries: Classic french fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion rings are always a great choice.
- Chips: A simple bowl of your favorite potato chips is a perfect crunchy side for a party or game day.
- Veggies: Roasted vegetables or a simple platter of raw veggies with dip offer a lighter, healthier option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for a fantastic and easy lunch the next day!
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat Italian Sliders is in the oven. Place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the rolls soft while re-melting the cheese perfectly. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the rolls may become a bit soft.
Can I Make Italian Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, these sliders are perfect for making ahead! You can fully assemble them without the butter topping, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just prepare and brush on the garlic butter topping and bake as directed. This is a huge time-saver when preparing for a party.
Yes! You can assemble the sliders without the butter topping up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just add the fresh garlic butter glaze and bake as directed.
To prevent soggy bottoms, make sure to drain your pepperoncini peppers well and pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Also, serving the sliders soon after they are baked will ensure they are at their best texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm and the cheese is re-melted.
These sliders are very versatile. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, a simple green salad, pasta salad, or coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
Provolone is the classic choice as it melts beautifully and has a mild, tangy flavor that complements Italian deli meats. However, mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice are also excellent options.
Yes! You can assemble the sliders without the butter topping up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just add the fresh garlic butter glaze and bake as directed.
To prevent soggy bottoms, make sure to drain your pepperoncini peppers well and pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Also, serving the sliders soon after they are baked will ensure they are at their best texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm and the cheese is re-melted.
These sliders are very versatile. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, a simple green salad, pasta salad, or coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
Provolone is the classic choice as it melts beautifully and has a mild, tangy flavor that complements Italian deli meats. However, mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice are also excellent options.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
If you loved these Italian Sliders, be sure to check out some of our other fan-favorite sandwich recipes! Our Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches are always a hit, and for a classic comfort food meal, you can’t go wrong with Homemade Sloppy Joes.
We hope you love this easy Italian Sliders recipe as much as we do! It’s a go-to in our household for its incredible flavor and simplicity. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Italian Sliders: The Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
These Italian Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and provolone cheese, then baked with a savory garlic butter glaze. Perfect for parties, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Without separating the rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone slices over the bottom rolls. Top with the Genoa salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto. Evenly distribute the pepperoncini rings over the meat, then finish with the remaining provolone slices. Place the top half of the rolls on.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving warm.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the sliders completely but do not add the butter topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Prepare and add the topping just before baking.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Italian Sliders: The Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Without separating the rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone slices over the bottom rolls. Top with the Genoa salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto. Evenly distribute the pepperoncini rings over the meat, then finish with the remaining provolone slices. Place the top half of the rolls on.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving warm.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
