Hot Italian Sliders Recipe with Melted Provolone

Delicious Hot Italian Sliders ideal for game day — layers of ham, salami, pepperoni and provolone topped with a homemade roasted red pepper spread and a buttery Italian glaze.

Sundays during football season are practically a ritual in our house. We invite friends, family and neighbors over to watch the game, and this year we’ve recreated the tailgate vibe at home by moving the TV outside. When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, these Hot Italian Sliders are always at the top of the list. They’re quick to assemble, bake up perfectly, and deliver big flavor thanks to layers of deli meats, melty cheese and a vibrant roasted red pepper spread.

Prep, Cook and Serving Info

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Slider buns – 12-count package (Kings Hawaiian or any slider-style buns), sliced in half
• Ham – 12 slices of fresh-sliced deli ham (or turkey/roast beef as alternatives)
• Salami – 6–8 slices genoa and 6–8 slices soppressata (or use your preferred salami, prosciutto or mortadella)
• Pepperoni – 12 large round slices
• Provolone – about 8 slices (mozzarella, Swiss or cheddar can be used instead)
• Butter – 2 Tbsp melted (olive oil can be substituted)
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
• Optional toppings – grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

For the Roasted Red Pepper Spread

• 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained (or roast your own)
• 1/4 cup walnuts (or cashews, pine nuts)
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
• Pinch of salt

These Sliders are Customizable

These Hot Italian Sliders are incredibly adaptable. Use the meats and cheeses you love and add extras like shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickled onions, banana peppers, mayo or Dijon. You can make them milder or spicier depending on how much red pepper flake you add to the spread. Mix and match to suit your guests.

How to Make Hot Italian Sliders

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the buns. Slice the slider buns in half with a long serrated knife and place the bottom halves close together in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
3. Make the roasted red pepper spread. In a food processor or blender, combine the drained roasted red peppers, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Blend until a smooth paste forms. This can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge.
4. Assemble the sliders. Spread the roasted red pepper mixture over the bottom half of the buns. Layer with ham, both types of salami (or your choice), pepperoni and provolone slices. Place the top halves of the buns in place.
5. Make the buttery glaze. Whisk melted butter with the Italian seasoning, then brush evenly over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.
6. Bake. Cover the dish with foil and bake 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Slice and serve. Let cool briefly, slice between buns into individual sliders, add extra Parmesan or parsley if you like, and serve warm with marinara or your preferred dipping sauce.

The Roasted Red Pepper Spread — Why It Works

This spread is the star: smoky, garlicky, slightly spicy and rich from the nuts and Parmesan. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require much oil since roasted peppers are naturally moist. Use roasted peppers from a jar for convenience, or roast fresh peppers on a grill or in the oven, then peel and remove seeds before blending. The spread also pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a vibrant sandwich spread.

How to Serve Hot Italian Sliders

• As an appetizer at a game-day gathering with marinara or a favorite dipping sauce.
• As a quick family dinner alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Serve alongside pasta salad or a crunchy slaw for a fuller spread.

Prepping and Storage

To store: These sliders are best served hot from the oven. Leftovers keep up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

To reheat: Wrap sliders in foil and warm in a preheated oven until heated through.

Nutrition (approximate per slider)

Serving: 1 slider • Calories: 245 kcal • Carbohydrates: 17.6 g • Protein: 12.1 g • Fat: 12.9 g • Saturated Fat: 5.8 g • Sodium: 370.6 mg • Fiber: 0.2 g • Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition details are estimates and should be used as a general guide.

Enjoy these Hot Italian Sliders at your next gathering. If you try them, leave a comment with your tweaks or favorite add-ins — I love seeing different variations and hearing which combinations become your new go-to!