Italian Sliders

4.93 from 27 votes

These cheesy Italian sliders are packed with savory flavor! Try this Italian sliders recipe for the best Italian sub sliders ever!

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: Italian, American

Servings: sliders

Calories: 245kcal

Generously spray a low-sided baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Arrange frozen rolls in a single layer, and let thaw (covered) in the fridge overnight, or on countertop for a few hours.
Let them rise at room temperature until they have doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 375º F.
Bake the rolls for 12-14 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Cut rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottoms of the rolls back in a single layer in the baking dish.
Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce over the inside bottom of each of the rolls.
Cover sauce with a round slice of provolone cheese, then Italian meat(s). For each of the mini sandwiches, I used three slices of pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, and salami.
Add a tablespoon of pizza sauce to the inside tops of the rolls, then place a top onto each of the prepared roll bottoms.
Brush egg wash on the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle each top with dried Italian seasoning and flake salt, if desired.
Reduce oven heat to 350°F.
Cover baking dish of Italian sliders with foil and bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Serve warm.

Recipe Variations:

Meat lovers: Add ham, mortadella, or prosciutto for more variety. Replace the sauce with Italian dressing or add Dijon mustard.
Veggie twist: Add sautéed spinach, red peppers, basil, or mushrooms for an Italian veggie slider.
Spicy version: Swap the marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes and pickled red onions.
Cheese it up: Mix mozzarella or fontina with the provolone for extra gooey sliders.
Add a crunch: Top these Italian sandwich sliders with toasted breadcrumbs or brush with garlic melted butter or olive oil before baking.

TFN Pro Tips:

To cut the cheese into circles, we use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or mason jar ring.
Italian Meats - Feel free to use any combination of deli meat slices that you enjoy.
To keep the sliders warm, place a rack in the bottom of a slow cooker or electric roaster. If you don't have a rack, crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into the bottom. Add 1/2" inch of hot water in the bottom of the pan. The purpose is to elevate the sliders above the water. The water keeps the sliders from drying out.
Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or mason jar ring to cut the Provolone cheese to size.

Storing Instructions

If you have any leftovers, wrap them in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate. Italian sliders will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
You can also freeze the baked sandwiches. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they'll keep for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or microwave. Reheating using the microwave keeps the buns nice and soft, wrap each slider in a damp paper towel before microwaving. Reheat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until they are warm through the center and the cheese is melted again. When reheating using the oven, cover the sliders in aluminum foil and bake directly on the oven rack at 375°F. for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
To make Sliders ahead of time: You can prepare the Italian sandwiches the day before. Follow all of the instructions up until you brush the egg wash on top of the rolls. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge overnight. Then, continue with the recipe the next day.