Hot Italian Sub Sliders

There’s something about sliders that just screams comfort food, right? Whether you’re prepping for a game day gathering, hosting a casual get-together, or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, these Hot Italian Sub Sliders check all the boxes. They’re warm, cheesy, loaded with bold Italian flavors, and best of all—super easy to make. This is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but takes hardly any effort. Win-win!

So let’s talk about why I love this recipe so much. It’s basically your favorite Italian sub transformed into melty, pull-apart sliders—perfectly portioned and practically begging to be dipped into warm marinara. I first whipped these up for a Super Bowl party, and I swear they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now, they’re on regular rotation in my kitchen anytime we’re feeding a crowd (or just craving a no-fuss dinner that hits the spot).

The magic here is in the layering—salami, pepperoni, ham, melty provolone, and those zesty banana peppers tucked inside soft slider rolls. And don’t even get me started on the buttery topping. Garlic, Italian herbs, a little sprinkle of Parmesan? It’s flavor city, and everyone’s invited.

Ready to get started? Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 slider rolls, connected if possible

• ¼ pound sliced salami

• ¼ pound sliced pepperoni

• ¼ pound sliced ham or capicola

• 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced banana peppers (or pepperoncini)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

STEP 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this is going to keep your rolls from sticking and make cleanup way easier.

STEP 2: Slice the Rolls

Take your slider rolls and slice them in half horizontally. Try to keep them all connected if you can—it makes assembling (and later, serving) the sliders a breeze. Place the bottom half into your greased baking dish.

STEP 3: Add a Creamy Base (Optional)

If you’re using mayo (and I definitely recommend it for that creamy contrast), go ahead and spread it over the bottom half of the rolls. It adds a subtle richness that ties all the flavors together.

STEP 4: Layer the Meats and Cheese

Now for the fun part—layering! Start with the salami, then add the pepperoni, and finish with the ham or capicola. Be generous—you want every bite to be packed with bold flavor. After the meats, layer on your slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese, followed by a handful of banana peppers for that tangy kick.

STEP 5: Close and Press

Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on and gently press them down. This helps everything melt together beautifully once it’s baked.

Welcome back! If you’re here for Part 2, you’ve already layered up your sliders with all that savory meat, gooey cheese, and those tangy banana peppers. And let’s be honest—it’s looking pretty irresistible already. But now it’s time to take these sliders from good to absolutely next-level with a buttery, flavorful topping and a perfectly melty bake.

This is where the real magic happens. That golden top you see on a great baked sandwich? It’s all about the butter mixture. It seeps into the rolls just enough to make them soft and flavorful, while the Parmesan crisps up slightly on top for the ultimate texture. Let’s get into the next steps and talk through a few tricks to make sure your sliders come out restaurant-worthy every single time.

STEP 6: Mix the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended.

This buttery mix is the secret sauce to making your sliders taste like they came out of a cozy Italian deli. The garlic and herbs give it that signature sub shop flavor, and the Parmesan adds a touch of salty richness.

STEP 7: Brush It On

Take a pastry brush (or just use the back of a spoon if that’s what you’ve got!) and generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Don’t be shy here—you want every roll covered.

Pro Tip: If you like an extra crispy top, brush half the butter before baking, then the other half right when they come out of the oven. It adds a little shine and a lot of flavor.

STEP 8: Bake Until Golden

Now it’s time to cover the dish loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes covered to let everything heat through and melt.

Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing, guaranteed.

STEP 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the sliders cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. This short rest time helps everything set up, so you don’t lose all that cheesy goodness when slicing.

Use a sharp knife to cut them into individual sliders and transfer to a serving platter—or just serve them right from the baking dish for a more casual vibe.

Tips, Tricks, and Easy Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are a few ways to make these sliders your own:

• Switch up the meats: Not a fan of ham? Try mortadella, prosciutto, or even roast beef for a different twist.

• Cheese options: Mozzarella and provolone are classic, but sharp white cheddar or fontina add a fun spin.

• Add marinara: Want a saucier sandwich? Spread a thin layer of marinara inside before baking, or serve warm sauce on the side for dipping.

• Make it spicy: Toss in a few extra pepperoncini or a drizzle of hot giardiniera oil for heat lovers.

• Prep ahead: These sliders can be assembled a day in advance and kept covered in the fridge. Just don’t brush on the butter topping until right before baking.

Why These Sliders Work Every Time

There’s a reason these hot Italian sub sliders have become a go-to for parties, potlucks, and lazy dinners—they’re low-effort, high-reward. You get everything you love in a classic Italian sub—meaty layers, melted cheese, that tang from the peppers—but in a format that’s warm, easy to serve, and completely satisfying.

And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just a handful of deli items, a good butter brush, and a baking dish, and you’re in business.