Name: Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 pack rolls, halved lengthwise (recommend Kings Hawaiian rolls); 6 oz package of ham, thinly sliced; 5 oz package of salami, thinly sliced; 5 oz package of pepperoni, thinly sliced; 9 slices provolone cheese; 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced; 1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced; 1/4 cup salted butter, melted; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh recommended); 1 cup marinara sauce

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Introduction

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are a perfect combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and spicy peppers all nestled in soft, sweet rolls. They make a delicious appetizer or a fun meal that’s easy to share. Ready in under an hour, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

A close-up of small sandwich sliders stacked in a white dish on a white marbled surface, each slider has three main layers: the top and bottom are glossy golden brown buns sprinkled with herbs and black pepper, the middle contains folded layers of meat with pink and red hues, topped with melted white cheese and slices of bright yellow pepper rings and some red roasted pepper pieces, with a slight oily shine on the buns. The sandwiches are cut into squares and arranged in a pile showing the layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 pack rolls, halved lengthwise (I recommend Kings Hawaiian rolls)
6 oz package of ham, thinly sliced
5 oz package of salami, thinly sliced
5 oz package of pepperoni, thinly sliced
9 slices provolone cheese
1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced
1/3 cup pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced
1/4 cup salted butter, melted
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh preferred)
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Lay the bottom halves of the rolls on a baking sheet or pan. Layer slices of ham, then salami, followed by pepperoni. Add a layer of provolone cheese, then sprinkle on sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini. Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning and crushed garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the sliders, making sure to coat all edges and crevices.
Step 4: Cover the sliders with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic rather than jarred for a more vibrant flavor.
Substitute provolone with mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Add sautéed onions or roasted red peppers for extra sweetness and depth.
For milder sliders, reduce or omit the hot cherry peppers.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich square with four visible layers inside a white tray on a white marbled surface; the bottom layer is a soft, light golden brown bread base, followed by a thick layer of pinkish-red salami and ham mix, then a layer of melted white cheese with slices of yellow-green pickles and red roasted peppers on top, all covered by a golden brown top bread sprinkled with herbs and black pepper. One sandwich piece is stacked on another, with some pickled green rings scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and cover them with foil in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if reheating from cold.

What can I use instead of pepperoncini or hot cherry peppers?

If you prefer less heat, mild banana peppers or sliced bell peppers are great alternatives that still add texture and flavor without the spice.