Dinner

Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe

BySarah Summers January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Introduction

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate party food—simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious handheld meal.

The image shows a close-up view of several small sandwiches arranged in a group on a wooden board. Each sandwich has two layers of soft golden-brown bread rolls with a slightly shiny top sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper. Inside, there is a layer of melted white cheese that drips slightly over the bottom bread, a layer of thinly sliced red pepperoni, some slices of green pickle, and fresh green leafy herbs on top. The sandwiches look juicy and fresh, with vibrant reds and greens contrasting against the warm tones of the bread and wooden board. In the blurred background, there are two white bowls; one with green olives and another with red sauce. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-pack soft dinner rolls (King’s Hawaiian rolls recommended), halved lengthwise
6 oz thinly sliced ham
5 oz thinly sliced salami
5 oz thinly sliced pepperoni
9 slices provolone cheese
⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini
⅓ cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers
¼ cup salted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, crushed (fresh recommended)
Optional for serving: 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Assemble the sliders by placing the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet or pan. Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, and hot cherry peppers. Then top with the upper half of the rolls.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter topping by combining melted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the sliders, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
Step 4: Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Slice the sliders, serve warm, and offer marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

Milder version: Swap the hot cherry peppers for roasted red peppers or skip them entirely for less heat.
Cheese swap: Mozzarella or a provolone-mozzarella blend works just as well.
Make ahead: Assemble the sliders up to 8 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the bread soft and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of four mini sandwiches on a wooden board placed on a white marbled texture. Each sandwich has three visible layers inside soft, golden-brown slider buns with a sprinkle of herbs and spices on top. The bottom layer is melted white cheese that slightly oozes out; above it is a layer of folded salami slices, followed by thin red tomato slices and some green leafy herbs adding freshness. The buns have a shiny, slightly crispy texture with coarse salt and pepper sprinkled on top. In the blurry background, white bowls with pickles and red sauce can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sandwiches rolls?

Yes, soft dinner rolls like King’s Hawaiian work best for their sweetness and texture, but you can substitute with other soft sandwich rolls or slider buns as preferred.