Hot Italian Sub Sliders Recipe (Perfect for Gameday!)

There are some recipes that just feel like a celebration, and these Hot Italian Sub Sliders are definitely one of them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been scrambling for gameday lunch ideas or trying to figure out what food to bring to a tailgate, and these sliders have saved the day. They have all the zesty, savory flavors of a classic Italian sub, but they’re served warm and gooey on sweet rolls, making them a thousand times more comforting. It’s the kind of food that makes everyone crowd around the kitchen island, grabbing for one before they’re all gone.

The first time I made these for a get-together, the smell of the garlic butter and Italian seasoning baking in the oven had everyone asking what I was making. They disappeared in about five minutes flat. Now, they’re my go-to for everything from casual family dinners to potlucks. They are simply one of the best group gathering food ideas I have in my back pocket.

The Perfect Lineup: What You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, just a classic combination of deli favorites that come together perfectly.

• The Rolls: I always reach for a 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls. Their slight sweetness is the perfect counterbalance to the salty meats and spicy peppers. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner or slider roll will work, just try to get something that holds up well.
• The Meats: A classic Italian trio is what we’re after. I use about 6 ounces of thinly sliced deli ham, and 5 ounces each of salami and pepperoni. The combination gives you a wonderful savory and slightly spicy base.
• The Cheese: You’ll need nine slices of provolone cheese. It’s the quintessential Italian sandwich cheese for a reason—it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
• The Peppers: This is where the magic happens! A third of a cup each of sliced pepperoncini and pickled hot cherry peppers adds a tangy, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Don’t skip these!
• The Garlic Butter Topping: This is what takes the sliders over the top. We’ll melt a quarter cup of salted butter and mix it with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and two cloves of freshly crushed garlic. Using fresh garlic here makes a world of difference in flavor compared to the jarred stuff.
• Marinara for Dipping: This is optional, but highly recommended. A cup of your favorite warm marinara sauce on the side is perfect for dipping.

Building Your Sliders, Step by Step

This is one of those wonderfully easy recipes where most of the work is just layering. Get your baking sheet ready and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

1. Prep the Rolls: Carefully slice the entire slab of rolls in half lengthwise with a long serrated knife, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in your baking sheet or pan.
2. Layer the Fillings: This is the fun part. Start by layering the slices of ham evenly across the rolls. Follow that with the salami, then the pepperoni. Next, arrange the nine slices of provolone cheese on top. Finally, scatter the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
3. Make the Magic Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and the freshly crushed garlic.
4. Brush and Bake: Generously brush this seasoned butter all over the tops of the rolls. Don’t be shy—let it drip down the sides and get into all those little crevices. This is what creates that incredible golden-brown crust. Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. The cheese should be perfectly melted and the sliders heated through.
5. Serve Warm: Once they’re golden brown, take them out of the oven. Let them rest for a minute before slicing them into individual sliders. I love serving them immediately with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping.

My Chef’s Secret for an Irresistible Crust

If you want to take these sliders to the absolute next level, here’s a little trick I’ve picked up. After you brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls, sprinkle on about two tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. The Parmesan crisps up in the oven, creating an extra layer of salty, cheesy goodness on the crust that is just incredible. It’s an optional twist, but one that always gets rave reviews.

Creating the Perfect Game Day Spread

While these sliders are a meal in themselves, they are also a fantastic centerpiece for a larger spread. If you’re wondering about sides to make with sliders, I like to keep it simple. A big bowl of kettle-cooked potato chips, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette, or a classic pasta salad are all great options. This is one of my favorite food spread ideas because the main dish is so easy, leaving you plenty of time to focus on simple sides. It’s a guaranteed hit for any “Slider Sunday” you might be planning.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

On the rare occasion that we have leftovers, they store quite well. Just let the sliders cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend wrapping them in foil and popping them back in a 350-degree F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This helps them get crispy again without drying out. I’d avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the bread a bit soggy.

Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 12-pack of sweet rolls (like King’s Hawaiian), halved lengthwise
• 6 oz package of thinly sliced ham
• 5 oz package of thinly sliced salami
• 5 oz package of thinly sliced pepperoni
• 9 slices provolone cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini
• 1/3 cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
• 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet. Layer with ham, salami, pepperoni, and then provolone cheese.
3. Evenly distribute the sliced hot cherry peppers and pepperoncini over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on.
4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic. Brush this mixture all over the tops and sides of the sliders.
5. Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.