Delicious Hot Italian Sliders perfect for game day that are layered with slices of ham, salami, pepperoni and provolone with a homemade roasted red pepper spread!
Sundays in our household are no joke this time of year. We usually have friends, family and neighbors in and out throughout the day to watch football, especially now that 2020 has prevented us from being able to attend any games! Our go-to this year has been setting the TV up outside so we can have that “tailgate” feel at home while still social distancing with neighbors and enjoying some football! One of my favorite things to make on football Sundays that are always a hit are these Hot Italian Sliders!
These mini sandwiches are so simple to throw together too and perfect for a crowd. Delicious deli meats and melty cheese layered with a homemade roasted red pepper spread and topped with an Italian seasoned buttery glaze all baked to perfection! You can also serve these with your favorite marinara as a dipping sauce for the ultimate appetizer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- slider buns – we really like to use Kings Hawaiian sweet rolls, but any type of slider-style buns or dinner rolls will work.
- ham – fresh sliced deli ham is my favorite to use for these sliders, but you could also use slices of turkey or even roast beef.
- salami – I used a combination of genoa and soppressata salami, but feel free to use whatever you like best! You could even add slices of prosciutto, mortadella or hot capocolla.
- pepperoni – I love the taste of pepperoni on Italian sandwiches, just make sure to get large round slices.
- melty cheese – I used slices of provolone cheese on these sandwiches, but you could also use mozzarella, cheddar or Swiss cheese if you prefer. I also topped these sliders with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!
- roasted red peppers – these are KEY to making the most delicious spread! You can either roast the peppers yourself OR simply purchase a jar of roasted red peppers which keeps things simple. You can find this recipe along with all the ingredients for this spread below.
- butter – you can either use melted butter or olive oil on top of your sliders to make them crisp and golden, but I just personally think these taste best using butter! It’s all about balance, right?
- Italian seasoning – I mix this with the melted butter before brushing over top of the sliders which adds the perfect touch and flavor. I also add a little Italian seasoning in the roasted red pepper spread as well!
These Sliders are Customizable!
The great thing about these hot Italian sub sliders are that they are so customizable! I layered these sliders with my personal sandwich favorites, but feel free to add as much (or as little) as you want of the fresh meats and cheeses. You can also add shredded lettuce, white or red onion slices (pickled onions are even tastier!), banana peppers, tomato slices or even add a little mayonnaise and dijon mustard. I mean the possibilities are endless!
How to Make Hot Italian Sliders
These Italian sandwich sliders are super simple to throw together which is why I love making them for a crowd. You have enough on your plate when hosting, so making simple appetizers like this makes things so much easier. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice slider buns in half. Using a long serrated knife, slice the buns in half and place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. I like to use a 12-count sheet of buns that are already attached, but any buns will work as long as you keep them close together.
- Make roasted red pepper spread. You can easily make this the day before or even a few days before and simply store it in the fridge. Using a food processor or blender, mix together the roasted red peppers, walnuts (you can also use cashews or pine nuts), fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, olive oil and Italian seasoning. I also like to add a pinch of salt as well.
- Assemble the sliders. Spread the roasted red pepper mixture all over the bottom half of the sliders then layer with slices of ham, salami, pepperoni and ending with cheese. Place the tops of the cut sliders on top.
- Make the buttery glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter (or olive oil) with about a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, oregano works great too! Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture and sprinkle each with a little Parmesan cheese.
- Bake! Cover the sliders and place in the oven for about 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until sliders are golden and cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve. Top with additional parmesan cheese, if desired, slice and serve with marinara as a dipping sauce!
The Most Delicious Roasted Red Pepper Spread
You guys this spread is seriously a MUST! It is spicy, garlicky and tastes absolutely delicious with all these Italian meats and cheeses. It is also super simple to make. Just throw all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and boom, you are done. This spread is similar to a pesto, but the great thing is you don’t need to use a lot of oil because the peppers are already so moist. As I said above, feel free to roast your own peppers in the oven or on the grill, OR you can simple use a store-bought jar of roasted red peppers. Just make sure all the seeds are removed before blending! You can also make this spicier by adding more crushed red pepper flakes. This spread would also taste great over chicken or fish!
How to Serve Hot Italian Sliders
- As an appetizer on game days with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Makes a delicious dinner for your family with a side salad or some veggies.
- Pair with my pesto pasta salad or even broccoli salad.
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Prepping and Storage
To Store: These slider sandwiches taste best straight out of the oven warm served with your favorite dipping sauce, but if you have leftover sliders they will last up to 2 days stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Make sure they are cooled completely before storing to prevent them from getting too soggy.
To Reheat: Wrap the sliders in foil and reheat in the oven until warm.
More Game Day Appetizers
- Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
- 7 Layer Spicy Taco Dip
- Baked Crab Cake Balls with Sriracha Dipping Sauce
- Stuffed Veggie Pizza Rolls
- Chunky Guacamole
Hope you all enjoy these Hot Italian Sliders and if you love this as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing all your delicious recreations!
Hot Italian Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 count package slider buns, cut in half
- 12 slices ham
- 6-8 slices genoa salami
- 6-8 slices soppressata salami
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
For the roasted red pepper spread
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the roasted red pepper spread. In a food processor or blender, mix together all ingredients until a paste forms. Set aside.
- Slice slider buns in half and place bottom half on a baking sheet or casserole dish. Spread the roasted red pepper mixture on the bottom half of the buns and layer with ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Place the tops of the slider buns on top.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and Italian seasoning and brush over top of the buns until completely coated.
- Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and place back in the oven for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, until sliders are golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These sliders have so much flavor! I really love them! ❤️