Description
Succulent Italian sliders bring Mediterranean flavors to miniature sandwich perfection, blending zesty marinara, melted provolone, and herbed ground beef. Crispy edges and juicy centers make these little bites irresistible companions for your next gathering or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 8 slider buns
- 4 ounces (113 grams) salami
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pepperoni
- 4 ounces (113 grams) ham
Cheese and Herbs:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Condiments and Extras:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Carefully split slider buns into top and bottom halves, arranging bottom pieces on the prepared tray.
- Create flavor-packed layers by placing deli meats, ensuring even coverage across each bun base.
- Add provolone cheese slices directly on top of the meats, allowing for optimal melting potential.
- Distribute fresh basil leaves and roasted red peppers strategically for balanced taste and visual appeal.
- Enhance the flavor profile by delicately drizzling olive oil and balsamic glaze over the assembled ingredients.
- Generously sprinkle Italian seasoning across the prepared sliders, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Cap each slider with the corresponding top bun halves, pressing gently to secure the layers.
- Brush bun tops with garlic butter, creating a golden, aromatic exterior during baking.
- Dust additional Italian seasoning over the buttered bun surfaces for extra zest.
- Cover the tray loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes to initiate melting.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes until edges turn crispy and golden brown.
- Allow sliders to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to set the melted cheese.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and at peak flavor intensity.
Notes
- Customize the sliders by swapping deli meats for vegetarian alternatives like grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a plant-based version.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using aged provolone or mixing different cheese types like mozzarella and parmesan for deeper taste dimensions.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline assembly, making these sliders perfect for quick entertaining or meal prep during busy weekdays.
- For gluten-sensitive guests, use gluten-free slider buns or large lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrapper option while maintaining authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg