Unleash the vibrant flavors of Italy with these Hot Italian Sliders, a mouthwatering addition to any gathering, game day, or family dinner. Infused with the zest of Italian spices, the richness of melted cheese, and the subtle heat that warms you from the inside, these sliders are anything but ordinary. Packed between mini buns, each bite delivers a burst of flavor that’s complemented by an array of toppings and sauces. Whether you’re looking to spice up your party menu or just want a quick and satisfying meal, these Hot Italian Sliders promise to transport your taste buds on a deliciously fiery journey.
Why You’ll Love Hot Italian Sliders:
- Bold Flavors: Each slider is a mini flavor bomb, bursting with the tastes of Italy.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sliders are a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for customizing with your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Great for Sharing: The ideal size for sharing, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or family meals.
Ingredients Notes For Hot Italian Sliders:
- Sliders Buns: Choose soft, mini slider buns or dinner rolls that can hold all the ingredients together.
- Italian Meats: A mix of salami, pepperoni, and ham offers a complex flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the meats according to your preference.
- Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and complements the Italian meats.
- Peppers: Pickled banana peppers or jalapeños add a nice crunch and a spicy kick.
- Marinara Sauce: A spoonful of marinara sauce on each slider adds moisture and ties all the flavors together.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning and garlic powder sprinkled over the top bring out the rich flavors of the meats and cheese.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping all the bottoms and tops connected.
- Layer the Ingredients: On the bottom half of the buns, layer the Italian meats, followed by slices of cheese and pickled peppers. Spoon a little marinara sauce over the top.
- Add the Tops: Place the top half of the buns over the fillings.
- Season: Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then brush over the top of the buns.
- Bake: Cover the sliders with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispier top.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Freeze: Freeze baked and cooled sliders for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
INGREDIENTS
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls (use a single pack to keep them attached if possible)
- 1/2 pound sliced deli ham
- 1/2 pound salami
- 1/2 pound pepperoni
- 1/2 pound provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, drained
For the Italian Seasoning Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Slider Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start layering the meats and cheeses on the bottom half of the buns. Begin with a layer of ham, followed by salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Add the roasted red peppers and banana peppers evenly over the cheese.
- Add the Top Buns:
- Place the top half of the slider buns over the layered fillings.
- Make the Italian Seasoning Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
- Brush the Butter Mixture:
- Brush the Italian seasoning butter mixture generously over the top of the sliders, ensuring the tops are well coated. Allow some of the butter to drip down the sides.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve:
- Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing along the individual buns and serving.