Hot Sandwich Party Dish

Featured in Snacks That Bring People Together.

Soft, buttery rolls stacked with salami, ham, provolone, and peppers. Baked golden and perfect for sharing in just 35 minutes.
Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:13:46 GMT
Close-up of layered sandwiches with fresh cheese, tomato slices, and jalapeños on a soft roll. Pin it
Close-up of layered sandwiches with fresh cheese, tomato slices, and jalapeños on a soft roll. | recipesbyhannah.com

Irresistible Italian Sub Mini Sandwiches

I'm always thrilled to share my crowd-pleasing party food, and these Italian Sub Mini Sandwiches are truly knockout snacks. Every mouthful explodes with delicious Italian cold cuts, gooey provolone and tangy peppers. Take my word for it - once these show up at your get-together, everyone will want to know how you made them.

Why These Mini Sandwiches Never Let Me Down

As someone who throws a lot of parties, I can't stress enough how much a simple but wow-worthy recipe matters. These little sandwiches have come to my rescue many times during big game days and family celebrations. What's really great is how adaptable they are. Got more mouths to feed? Just buy more rolls and up the filling amounts. They're so quick to put together, you'll still have tons of time to chat with your friends.

My Favorite Tried and Tested Components

  • Hawaiian rolls: I always reach for Kings Hawaiian - their touch of sweetness works magic against the hearty fillings.
  • Deli ham: Spending extra on Applegate Black Forest Ham makes a real difference in taste.
  • Salami: Columbus Italian Dry Salami brings that genuine Italian deli flavor.
  • Sliced pepperoni: The smoky notes in Applegate pepperoni can't be matched.
  • Provolone cheese: Ask for fresh-sliced at the deli for the dreamiest melt.
  • Hot cherry peppers: I swear by Mezzetta brand for just the right heat kick.
  • Peperoncini: A handful of Mezzetta peperoncini adds zip to each bite.
  • Butter: Nothing tops Kerrygold salted butter for richness.
  • Italian seasoning: Don't hold back - this is what delivers that classic flavor.
  • Fresh garlic: The smell of freshly crushed garlic takes these over the top.

How I Whip These Sandwiches Up

Stack all those tasty layers:
Cut those rolls straight across the middle. Load up pepperoni, salami, ham, provolone and those tangy peppers, then place the tops back on.
My flavor-packed butter mix:
Get that butter melted down and stir in your garlic and Italian herbs. Brush this amazing mixture generously over everything.
The cooking trick:
Wrap them in foil and stick them in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes. When they come out all toasty and cheese-melty, slice them apart and watch how fast they vanish.

Common Questions From Friends

  • Too spicy for your taste? The peppers add just a mild warmth. If you want something gentler, try sweet banana peppers or roasted red peppers instead.
  • Need to serve lots of people? Easy fix. This recipe scales up wonderfully. Just get more packages of rolls.
  • Can't track down Kings Hawaiian? Don't worry - any type of connected dinner rolls will do the job.

My Favorite Serving Suggestion

Want to know the best way to enjoy these little gems? Serve them right after they come out of the oven when they're still warm and the cheese is all stretchy. Put a small dish of marinara sauce nearby for dipping - the combo of flavors is absolutely fantastic.

A close-up of a tray filled with savory sliders made of soft bread, layered with meats, cheese, and garnished with pickled peppers. Pin it
A close-up of a tray filled with savory sliders made of soft bread, layered with meats, cheese, and garnished with pickled peppers. | recipesbyhannah.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these in advance?
Yes, prep them earlier in the day, wrap them up in the fridge, and wait to butter and bake until serving time.
→ How do I store leftovers properly?
Put any extras in a closed container in the fridge for 2 days. Heat them back up in the oven at 350°F to crisp the bread.
→ Can I switch up the meats?
Go for it! Sub in turkey, mortadella, or roast beef instead of the suggested meats if you prefer.
→ Why use foil when baking?
It stops the tops from browning too fast while the cheese melts. Foil also locks in steam, making the sliders soft and gooey.
→ Do I really need marinara sauce?
Not at all! The sliders taste amazing on their own. But marinara is a fun extra for those who like dipping.

Hot Italian Sliders

Cheesy, warm Italian-style sliders with layers of meats and garlic butter. Quick to prep and awesome for casual get-togethers.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion Italian

Yield: 12 Servings (12 small sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 One dozen sweet rolls, halved (try King's Hawaiian).
02 6 oz of thinly sliced ham.
03 5 oz of thin-cut salami.
04 5 oz of thinly sliced pepperoni.
05 Nine slices of provolone cheese.
06 A third cup of sliced pickled pepperoncini.
07 A third cup of diced pickled hot cherry peppers.
08 Quarter cup of melted salted butter.
09 One teaspoon of dried Italian herbs.
10 Two cloves of crushed garlic (fresh is best).
11 Optional: One cup of marinara for dipping.

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Lay the bottom roll halves onto a baking pan. Layer on the ham, salami, pepperoni, cheese, cherry peppers, and pepperoncini. Top with the other roll halves.

Step 03

Stir the garlic, Italian herbs, and melted butter together. Spread it over the top of the rolls with a brush.

Step 04

Wrap the pan in foil and bake it for 30 minutes at 350°F until lightly toasted.

Step 05

Pull it out of the oven, cut it up, and enjoy with a side of marinara for dipping if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Great for parties or a game day spread.
  2. Easily scale up by doubling or tripling.
  3. Freshly crushed garlic works better than jarred.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sheet pan.
  • A small mixing bowl.
  • A brush for spreading butter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • Contains wheat (bread 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