Cheesy Party Sandwiches

Featured in Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out.

Layers of melty provolone, ham, salami, and pepperoni, combined with zesty peppers on soft bread. Brushed with garlic goodness and baked golden in just 35 minutes. Ideal for parties.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:16:28 GMT
Three sandwiches with gooey cheese, spicy peppers, and tomatoes on soft rolls. Pin it
Three sandwiches with gooey cheese, spicy peppers, and tomatoes on soft rolls. | lilicooks.com

Mouthwatering Party-Ready Italian Submarine Sliders

I'm always excited to pass along my favorite crowd-pleasers, and these Italian Sub Sliders are totally worth shouting about. Every mouthful delivers delicious Italian cold cuts, melty provolone, and tangy pickled peppers. When you bring these to your next get-together, don't be surprised when everyone wants to know how you made them.

What Makes These Sliders My Go-To Party Food

Being a frequent entertainer, I've learned to appreciate dishes that wow without the hassle. These sliders have come to my rescue many times during game days and festive gatherings. Their versatility is what I appreciate most. Got extra mouths to feed? Just pick up more rolls and increase the fillings. They're so quick to put together, you'll still have time to chat with everyone at your party.

My Can't-Miss Ingredient Roundup

  • Hawaiian rolls: I always grab Kings Hawaiian because their touch of sweetness works magic against the meaty fillings.
  • Deli ham: Spending a bit more on Applegate Black Forest Ham pays off with deeper flavor notes.
  • Salami: The Columbus Italian Dry Salami brings that genuine Italian deli charm.
  • Sliced pepperoni: I find Applegate pepperoni adds just the right smoky touch.
  • Provolone cheese: Ask for fresh-sliced at the deli for the dreamiest melt.
  • Hot cherry peppers: The Mezzetta brand delivers that ideal spicy zing.
  • Peperoncini: Adding Mezzetta peperoncini gives each bite a fresh tang.
  • Butter: I've found Kerrygold salted butter simply makes the whole thing shine.
  • Italian seasoning: Don't hold back when adding this for authentic Italian taste.
  • Fresh garlic: Freshly crushed garlic creates an amazing smell you can't fake.

My Step-by-Step Approach

Stack your fillings:
Cut those rolls straight across the middle. Load up pepperoni, salami, ham, provolone and those tasty peppers, then place the tops back where they belong.
Create the flavor drizzle:
Get your butter nice and liquid, then stir in crushed garlic and Italian seasonings. Paint this tasty mix all across the tops of your rolls.
Bake to perfection:
Wrap them up in foil and stick them in a 350°F oven for half an hour. Once they're golden and the cheese has melted, slice them apart and watch them quickly vanish.

Common Questions From Guests

  • Too spicy for you? Don't worry, the peppers aren't overwhelming. If you want them milder, try sweet banana peppers or roasted red peppers instead.
  • Need to serve lots of people? Easy fix. This recipe works great doubled or even tripled. Just buy more packages of rolls.
  • Can't get Kings Hawaiian rolls? That's okay. Any type of connected dinner rolls will do the trick.

My Favorite Serving Suggestion

Want to know how I like to present these tasty treats? Serve them fresh from the oven when they're still warm and gooey. Put out some marinara sauce on the side for dipping and you'll take the Italian flavors to a whole new level.

A tray of juicy handmade sliders featuring soft buns, stacked with assorted meats, melted cheese, and colorful pickled peppers on top. Pin it
A tray of juicy handmade sliders featuring soft buns, stacked with assorted meats, melted cheese, and colorful pickled peppers on top. | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these sandwiches be prepped ahead?
Definitely! Assemble them earlier in the day, keep them chilled, and bake with butter topping when you're ready to serve.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight box in the fridge for up to two days. Heat them at 350°F for around 10 minutes to enjoy that crispy bread again.
→ Can I switch the meats in this recipe?
Sure thing! Swap out the meats for turkey, roast beef, or even mortadella—whatever suits your taste.
→ Why cover the sandwiches with foil while baking?
The foil stops the tops from getting too dark and keeps the sandwiches moist as the cheese melts.
→ Do I really need marinara sauce on the side?
It’s not a must, but it’s a bonus for dipping! The sliders are packed with flavor even without it.

Hot Sub Sliders

Soft rolls stuffed with melty cheese, cured meats, and tangy peppers. Quick to toss together, these sliders are crowd favorites for any celebration.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion of Italian and American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 dozen rolls (try Kings Hawaiian), sliced in half lengthwise.
02 6 oz of thinly sliced ham.
03 5 oz of sliced pepperoni.
04 5 oz of thinly sliced salami.
05 9 slices of provolone.
06 1/3 cup of sliced pickled hot cherry peppers.
07 1/3 cup of sliced pepperoncini.
08 1/4 cup of melted butter, salted.
09 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs.
10 2 fresh garlic cloves, crushed (fresh is better!).
11 1 cup marinara (dipping optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Lay the bottom slider rolls on a sheet pan. Stack on ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and a mix of the cherry peppers and pepperoncini. Cover with top rolls.

Step 03

Combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic in a bowl. Brush this mixture all over the top of your sliders.

Step 04

Pop it in the oven, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F until it turns golden and toasty.

Step 05

Take out the pan, slice the sliders, and enjoy with marinara sauce if you want to dip!

Notes

  1. Great for game days and parties.
  2. Easy to make in larger batches.
  3. Fresh garlic adds so much flavor, so skip the jarred stuff!

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan for baking.
  • Brush for spreading butter.
  • Small bowl to mix seasonings.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the provolone cheese.
  • Includes wheat from the slider rolls.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 15 g