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Hot Italian Sliders

For gatherings that call for easy-to-eat, flavorful bites, hot Italian sliders are an excellent choice. These mini sandwiches can satisfy a crowd and be enjoyed with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping. Made with slider rolls, Italian deli meats, and cheeses, they’re perfect as a standalone snack or as part of a larger spread. Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a backyard picnic, or in need of a simple yet satisfying game day appetizer, these hot Italian sliders are sure to please.

When looking for inspiration for funeral sandwiches, backyard picnic party ideas, or even a quick and easy snack, consider whipping up some baked Italian sliders. These bite-sized treats combine meats and cheeses with a zesty mayo and sweet Hawaiian rolls for a winning combination. And if you’re craving something new, why not try your hand at maple bacon turkey sliders, cheeseburger hot pockets, or gorgonzola buffalo burgers in pretzel buns? The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sliders Recipe

Indulge in the bold flavors of these Italian sub sliders, served warm or hot and guaranteed to tantalize any taste buds. The harmonious union of meats and cheeses with a zesty kick is nothing short of irresistible. The beauty of this recipe lies in its customizability – swap out deli meats and cheeses to suit your cravings, whether you’re in the mood for creamy provolone or rich Swiss cheese. With this versatile recipe, you can effortlessly cater to a crowd, doubling or tripling the ingredients as needed to satisfy any gathering. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a larger event, these Italian sliders will prove an unbeatable choice for satisfying everyone’s appetite.

How to Make this Italian Sliders Recipe>


To create these mouthwatering Italian sliders, start by preparing your buns. Preheat your oven to toast the slider buns until they’re crispy and golden brown – this step is crucial to prevent sogginess! As the buns toast, you can simultaneously prepare the zesty mayo ingredients. Once the buns are done, fill them with sliced deli meats and cheeses, alternating between giardiniera and banana peppers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. To take it to the next level, spread a dollop of zesty mayo on each bun before adding your individual sandwich components. While you’re assembling the sliders, mix together the garlic butter ingredients and set it aside. Finally, place the assembled sliders in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re hot and bubbly. Serve them immediately with marinara sauce for dipping to add an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Craft your perfect combination of meats and cheeses, tailored to your taste preferences. For those who like a little spice, feel free to incorporate the bold flavors of red pepper flakes and banana peppers. Alternatively, opt for milder options or omit them altogether. To switch things up, consider using brioche buns instead of Hawaiian rolls, adding a touch of sophistication to each bite. Additionally, roasted red peppers can add a sweet and smoky depth, while doubling down on the melty cheese will undoubtedly satisfy any cravings. Ultimately, create your masterpiece however you see fit!

Storage Instructions


For optimal flavor and texture, serve these treats as soon as they emerge from the oven, still warm to the touch. As for leftovers, it’s best to consume them within two or three days, after which they may start to lose their crispness. To preserve their freshness, wrap any unused portions in foil and refrigerate. When reheating, simply return them to a preheated oven to restore their original warmth and aroma.

Italian Hawaiian Roll Sliders FAQs

While the terms ‘sub’ and ‘grinder’ may be used interchangeably, it’s worth noting that in the New England region, a grinder typically refers specifically to a type of sandwich made with long rolls resembling Italian bread but with a crustier exterior and chewier interior. This recipe allows for flexibility in roll selection, as Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns, or traditional grinder rolls can all be used. In contrast, banana peppers are a distinct ingredient known for their mild, tangy flavor and slightly sweet undertones. These yellow peppers – which can also be found in orange, green, or red hues depending on maturity – are ideal for this recipe due to the convenience of using jarred, sliced varieties that come with their own juice. For an alternative, sliced jalapenos can also be employed.

Hot Italian Sliders Recipe


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Hot Italian Sliders

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with hot Italian sliders, a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich perfect for casual gatherings like tailgating or picnics. To prepare these tasty treats, you’ll need just 10 minutes to gather your ingredients and another 20 minutes to cook them to perfection, resulting in a total time commitment of 30 minutes. This recipe yields 12 servings, making it an excellent choice for sharing with friends and family.

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an 8×8 inch casserole dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Slice the rolls in half using a bread knife and place them in the oven for five minutes to toast lightly. As the bread is toasting, combine mayonnaise, banana pepper juice, garlic puree, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Whisk well to create zesty mayo. Once the rolls are toasted, remove them from the oven and lay them out on a solid surface or cutting board. Alternate layers of meat and mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the rolls, covering the entire surface. Next, add peppers and giardiniera on top of the meat mixture, followed by sliced provolone cheese. Spread zesty mayo evenly over the cut side of the top buns. Place the layered buns in the casserole or baking dish. To prepare the garlic butter topping, combine melted butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, black pepper, parsley, and Parmesan in a small bowl. Stir well and pour the mixture over the top of the buns. Cover with foil and bake on the center rack for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional five minutes. Serve the dish warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

For a flavorful kick, opt for pre-sliced banana peppers in a jar. The zesty vinegar taste of the juice harmonizes beautifully with the mayo, adding a delightful heat to the sliders. If you prefer less heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes from the butter topping.
To prevent sogginess and ensure a satisfying texture, lightly toast the rolls before assembling the sandwiches. This crucial step will keep your sliders fresh and appealing.
There’s no one ‘right’ way to layer the meat and cheese, but consider finishing with a layer of cheese over the giardiniera and peppers. This not only prevents toppings from falling off the buns but also serves as a glue-like effect once the cheese melts, keeping everything in place.
When it comes to rolls, choose Hawaiian or brioche – both options work well. If your local grocery store carries brioche slider rolls, they’re an excellent choice. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your decision.