Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Hot Italian Sub Sliders are bite-sized bundles of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine layers of spicy salami, pepperoni, and ham piled high on soft, mini rolls, topped with melted…

By Willow • February 1, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Hot Italian Sub Sliders are bite-sized bundles of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine layers of spicy salami, pepperoni, and ham piled high on soft, mini rolls, topped with melted provolone cheese and a zesty Italian dressing that brings it all together. These sliders are perfect for when you want all the goodness of a classic Italian sub in a fun, easy-to-eat size.

I love making these sliders for casual get-togethers because they’re simple to prepare but always impress. What I really enjoy is adding a little extra pepper flakes and a dash of oregano to kick up the heat just right—it makes every bite exciting without being overpowering. I’ve found that assembling them ahead of time and giving them a quick warm-up in the oven helps the cheese melt perfectly and the flavors to meld beautifully.

These sliders work great for game day, parties, or just a relaxed weeknight meal when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. I usually serve them alongside some crunchy pickles or a simple salad to keep things fresh. They’re a crowd favorite because they have a little spice, lots of meaty goodness, and they’re just so easy to grab and enjoy. Whenever I make them, everyone always wants seconds!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Slider Buns: Soft rolls like Hawaiian buns are perfect here for their slight sweetness and fluffy texture. If unavailable, dinner rolls or mini brioche work well too.

Italian Meats: Pepperoni, salami, and ham provide a mix of spicy, smoky, and savory flavors. You can swap out or add prosciutto or capicola based on what you like.

Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, tangy taste. Mozzarella is a nice milder option, or try fontina for a creamier finish.

Seasoned Butter: The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, and Parmesan spices up the tops and keeps the buns moist. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat.

How Do You Get Soft Yet Crispy Buns on These Sliders?

Getting that soft inside with a slightly crispy top is key! Here’s how I do it:

• Keep the bun slab connected while assembling. This makes it easy to brush butter evenly and bake without the rolls drying out.
• Brush a generous layer of seasoned melted butter over the tops. This not only adds flavor but helps develop a golden, crispy crust.
• Cover the sliders with foil during the first part of baking to melt cheese and warm meats gently without drying the buns.
• Remove the foil at the end and bake a little longer to crisp up the tops just right.

This method gives you warm, melty sliders with a perfectly balanced bun texture every time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – perfect size to hold the whole slab of sliders and catch any drips.
• Aluminum foil – covers the sliders so they warm evenly and the cheese melts without drying out.
• Pastry brush – helps you spread the seasoned butter evenly over the tops for a tasty crust.
• Sharp knife – to cut the sliders apart cleanly without squishing the buns.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap provolone for mozzarella or fontina if you want a milder or creamier cheese flavor.
• Try adding roasted red peppers or banana peppers inside for a tangy twist.
• Mix in some fresh basil leaves or arugula to add a fresh, peppery bite after baking.
• Use turkey or chicken deli slices instead of pork for a lighter, less spicy version.

Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Sliders:

• 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 6 slices pepperoni (halved)
• 6 slices salami (halved)
• 6 slices ham (halved)
• 6 slices provolone cheese (halved)

For The Seasoned Butter:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Time Needed

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake, so you can serve these tasty sliders in just about 30 minutes total.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slider Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep all buns connected so you have a slab that’s easy to handle.

2. Add Meats and Cheese:

Layer the halved pepperoni, salami, and ham evenly over the bottom half of the slider bun slab. Next, add the provolone cheese slices over the meats for that delicious, melty layer.

3. Season and Bake:

Place the top half of the buns gently over the meats and cheese. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the buns generously with this seasoned butter.

Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese nicely. Then remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes until the slider tops are golden and slightly crispy.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the sliders from the oven and carefully cut them apart between the buns. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping — perfect for that classic Italian sub experience packed into sliders!

Can I Use Other Types of Meat in These Sliders?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pepperoni, salami, and ham for turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian deli slices to suit your preference.

Can I Make Hot Italian Sub Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What’s the Best Way to Serve These Sliders?

Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They also pair well with a simple green salad or crunchy pickles for some added freshness.