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These Italian Sub Sliders are the perfect handheld party sandwich, they are like mini subs. Savory deli meats and Provolone cheese are layered with fresh veggies and dressed with a simple, yet flavorful Italian vinaigrette. These Italian hoagie Sliders, also known as mini Italian sandwiches or oven-baked sub sliders, are everything you love about a classic deli sub, packed into soft, melty, handheld bites. Perfectly portable for the park or beach, as well as an easy, delicious appetizer for game day, parties, or a fun, easy weeknight dinner.
Italian Deli Sandwich Sliders
If you’ve ever wished your favorite Italian sub was easier to serve to a crowd in appetizer form, with less sandwich assembly, this is the recipe.
These sliders take everything you love about a classic Italian hoagie and transform it into a warm, shareable party appetizer with minimal prep.
The contrast of melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy dressing baked into buttery rolls is what really sets this recipe apart.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Italian Sliders
• Bold, classic sub flavor in slider form
• Easy to make with minimal prep
• Feeds a crowd – great for parties or meal prep
• Customizable to your taste
This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to throw together. With simple layers of deli meats, cheese, and a few fresh toppings, you can feed a hungry group easily.
Whether you’re hosting game day, a birthday party, or just need a no-fuss dinner, these Hawaiian roll sliders always disappear fast. My guests always ask me for the recipe!
Ingredients in Italian Sliders
For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Olive Oil – Use light-tasting olive oil or extra virgin. I wouldn’t use other oils here; the olive oil adds to the distinct taste of this dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning – Or make your own Italian seasoning using a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Dijon Mustard – Yellow mustard will work too.
- Salted Butter – Unsalted butter works great too.
- Chopped Parsley – Optional, it adds a nice freshness.
- Garlic Powder – You could also use minced fresh or jarred garlic.
- Onion Powder
- Salt – Optional as the meats are salty, but I enjoy a bit extra.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Shredded Parmesan would also work.
- Hawaiian Slider Rolls – Individual slider buns or sweet rolls will also work for this recipe.
- Deli Ham – I like getting the meat from the deli, but you can use prepackaged meats and cheeses.
- Salami – Prosciutto works great too.
- Pepperoni – Use leftover pepperoni for pizza later in the week.
- Provolone – Cheese Swiss or mozzarella cheese are great replacements.
- Red Onion – Or a white, yellow, or sweet onion. The red onion has a great bite to it.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Or slice up a regular-sized tomato.
- Sliced Pepperoncini – Banana peppers or chopped green chilies are great replacements.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce – Iceberg is traditional and cost effective, but use any type of lettuce that you like here.
How to Make Layered Italian Sub Sliders
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make these yummy Layered Italian Sub Sliders:
1. Preheat and prepare the dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Mix the dressing and the butter topping.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Refrigerate to let the flavors blend while you prepare the sliders.
• In another small bowl, stir together the softened butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
4. Assemble the sliders.
• Place the bottom half of the slider buns in the prepared dish. Layer on the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoncini.
• Add the top half of the buns.
5. Spread on the butter topping.
• Brush the tops of the buns with the prepared butter mixture, making sure each roll is covered.
6. Bake.
• Bake in uncovered dish for 20 minutes, or until the sliders are warmed through and the tops are lightly golden.
7. Add Parmesan and lettuce.
• Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops while still hot so it melts slightly.
• Remove the tops, then layer on the shredded lettuce and drizzle with the dressing. Replace the tops.
8. Slice and serve.
Slice to make individual sliders. Serve warm or at room temperature.
FAQ About Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Here’s what people are asking about Sliders:
- What kind of bread should I use?
Hawaiian rolls are the preferred choice as they are soft and slightly sweet, which balances the savory meats and tangy dressing. However, any slider buns will work. - Can I serve these cold instead of hot?
Yes! They’re delicious warm & melty, these sliders are also great served cold, like a traditional sub. Either skip the baking step and brush the butter mixture on the top rolls as-is. Or bake them and let them cool. - Can I make this vegetarian?
You can! Replace the meats with roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, and sliced olives for a delicious vegetarian version. - Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
This sandwich is best enjoyed right after it is made. The vegetables in the sandwich will get soggy if they are frozen and thawed. - What’s the best way to transport these for a potluck or party?
Once baked, cover the dish with foil and transport it in an insulated carrier to keep warm, if desired. Then add the lettuce and dressing just before serving for the best texture. - Can I Make These Ahead?
You can prep these sliders a few hours in advance (up to the baking step). Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add the lettuce and dressing after baking to keep everything fresh and crisp. Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables.
Storage Instructions for Leftover Italian Deli Sliders
Refrigerate: Store leftover Italian sub sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. After a few days the veggies may start to make the bread soggy.
How to Reheat Italian Sub Sliders
You can reheat these Hawaiian Roll Italian Sliders using the oven, microwave, or air fryer:
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. For best results, remove any lettuce before reheating and add it back afterward.
• Microwave: Place one or two sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1 minute. The bread will be softer, but it’s quick and easy.
• Air Fryer: Preheat to 330°F. Place sliders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.
More Tasty Party Appetizers and Food for a Crowd
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Asian Pork Belly Sliders
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Sub Sliders
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- 2 Small Bowls
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
For the Topping
- ½ cup Salted Butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons Chopped Parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
For the Sandwiches
- 12 Hawaiian Slider Rolls (undivided but sliced horizontally)
- 12 slices Deli Ham
- 12 slices Salami
- 12 slices Pepperoni
- 8 slices Provolone Cheese
- ¼ of a Red Onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Sliced Pepperoncini
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, make the dressing by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Place it in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld while you build your sandwiches.
Make the Topping
- In a second small bowl, make the topping by stirring together the softened butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
Assemble
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing the bottom of the sliders into your prepared 9x13-inch casserole dish. Layer the ham, salami, and pepperoni, followed by the cheese, onion, tomatoes, and pepperoncini. Place the top over the sliders.
Brush with the Topping
- Brush the tops of the buns with the topping mixture, making sure to cover the tops of each slider.
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the sliders are heated throughout and the tops are a light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the tops with Parmesan cheese. Make sure to do this straight out of the oven so the cheese melts a bit.
Add the Lettuce and Dressing
- Remove the tops of the sliders and add the shredded lettuce. Give the dressing a good stir and drizzle it over the lettuce before replacing the top of the sliders.
Slice and Serve
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have been making these sliders for the Super Bowl parties for years. Everybody loves them. I looked at the recipe to see if I could pick up some tips, and I did. I’ve always served them cold, but will try the baking and butter toppings. Sounds delicious. Thank you!
Here’s a tip for others…I slice the onions vey thin, then mix them with sub dressing from Publix (or use the dressing in the recipe) and let them marinate for a while I prep the rest of the ingredients. I also use mayo instead of mustard, but that’s just my preference.
Lastly, I put 4″ wooden skewers in the middle of each slider roll (toothpicks will work if you don’t pile the meat too high), then cut through to make the 12 rolls. Otherwise, when you pull them apart, all the meat and cheese come off..
Great tips, Ron! Thanks, I know the readers will appreciate this!