When it comes to feeding a hungry crowd, nothing beats these Hot Italian Sub Sliders.
Packed with layers of savory deli meats, melty provolone, and a zesty kick from hot cherry peppers and peperoncini, these sliders deliver bold flavor in every bite.
They’re baked to golden perfection with a buttery garlic and herb topping that makes them extra irresistible.
Perfect for tailgates, holiday gatherings, game nights, or even a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders are quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serve them as is, or pair them with marinara sauce for dipping to take them to the next level.
My Opinion
I’ve made these Hot Italian Sub Sliders several times, and they’ve quickly become my go-to party food. What I love most is how easy they are to put together—just layer, brush with seasoned butter, bake, and you’re done.
The combination of salty ham, pepperoni, and salami with gooey provolone is perfection, and the addition of spicy peppers really elevates the flavor.
The buttery topping with garlic and Italian herbs makes the rolls taste almost gourmet, and I found myself sneaking one (or two!) before they even made it to the table.
Best of all, everyone loves them. They disappear so quickly at gatherings that I’ve learned to always make a double batch.
This recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🏈 Perfect for parties & tailgates – Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
- 🧀 Melty, cheesy goodness – Layers of provolone make every bite ooey-gooey.
- 🌶️ Customizable spice level – Adjust the peppers to suit your taste.
- 🍞 Golden, buttery topping – Garlic herb butter makes the rolls irresistible.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy – Ready in about 40 minutes with simple prep.
- 🍽️ Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 large baking sheet or rectangular casserole dish
- Small bowl (for mixing seasoned butter)
- Pastry brush (silicone recommended)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula for serving
Ingredients
(Makes 12 sliders)
- 1 pack (12-count) Hawaiian rolls (King’s Hawaiian recommended)
- 6 slices deli ham (Applegate Black Forest preferred)
- 6 slices salami (Columbus Italian Dry Salame recommended)
- 12 slices pepperoni (Applegate recommended)
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup hot cherry peppers, sliced (Mezzetta brand recommended)
- 1/4 cup peperoncini, sliced (Mezzetta brand recommended)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (Kerrygold preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or casserole dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Slice the rolls
Without separating the rolls, cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have one sheet of tops and one sheet of bottoms. Place the bottom half into your prepared pan. - Layer the fillings
Start by layering on the ham slices, followed by the salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Distribute the peperoncini and hot cherry peppers evenly over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on top. - Make the garlic butter
Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed garlic until well combined. - Brush the topping
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, making sure every roll is covered for maximum flavor. - Bake the sliders
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. - Uncover and finish
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to turn golden brown. - Slice and serve
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then cut into individual sliders. Serve warm, with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through for best texture.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.
Expert Tips
- ✅ Don’t separate the rolls before assembling – keeping them connected makes layering and baking easier.
- ✅ Adjust the heat level – use banana peppers or roasted red peppers for milder flavor.
- ✅ Use quality deli meats – better meats mean better flavor.
- ✅ Make ahead friendly – assemble sliders up to 6 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and bake before serving.
- ✅ Double or triple easily – perfect for game day or large gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with chips, a simple salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Offer alongside other slider varieties (like Reuben or BBQ sliders) for a party spread.
- Great as a centerpiece dish for football parties, potlucks, or family movie nights.
FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
These sliders do have a mild kick from the hot cherry peppers and peperoncini, but they’re not overwhelmingly spicy. For a milder version, swap them for banana peppers or roasted red peppers.
Can I make this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles and triples beautifully. King’s Hawaiian even sells larger packs of rolls (18 or 24-count) to make scaling up simple.
What if I can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls?
No problem! You can use any type of connected dinner rolls or slider buns you can find.