Chopped Italian Sliders Recipe

Chopped Italian Sliders are the perfect combination of classic Italian flavors packed into bite-sized sandwiches. These sliders feature a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy condiments, all baked to perfection on soft rolls. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a fun dinner option, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner rolls)
• ¼ lb salami, thinly sliced
• ¼ lb ham, thinly sliced
• ¼ lb mortadella, thinly sliced (or substitute with turkey or capicola)
• ¼ lb pepperoni, thinly sliced
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• ¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chopped iceberg lettuce (optional for crunch)

For the Italian Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup black or green olives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for extra flavor
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat

For Serving:

• Marinara sauce for dipping
• Pickles or pepperoncini peppers on the side

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Italian Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating the rolls, creating a large top and bottom piece. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

1. Layer the salami, ham, mortadella, and pepperoni evenly over the bottom half of the slider rolls.
2. Place the provolone cheese slices on top of the meats, followed by the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and red onion slices. If desired, add a layer of chopped lettuce for extra crunch.
3. Drizzle the prepared Italian dressing evenly over the layered meats and toppings.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer and Toppings

1. Place the top half of the slider rolls back on top of the fillings.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

Step 5: Bake the Sliders

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the sliders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Slice the sliders along the pre-cut lines and serve with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside pickles or pepperoncini peppers for an extra Italian kick.

Cooking Notes

• Meats: Feel free to mix and match your favorite Italian deli meats, such as turkey, prosciutto, or capicola, based on availability and preference.
• Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a slight sweetness, but you can use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns.

Variations

1. Spicy Italian Sliders

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing and layer in some spicy capicola or hot soppressata for a kick of heat.

2. Vegetarian Italian Sliders

Omit the meats and add more roasted veggies like grilled zucchini, eggplant, and artichokes. You can also layer in fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.

3. Cheesy Pesto Italian Sliders

Swap the Italian dressing for pesto sauce and add an extra layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy version of these sliders.

4. Caprese Sliders

For a lighter version, layer the rolls with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before baking.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Replace the slider rolls with lettuce wraps or low-carb sandwich rolls.
• Use full-fat cheeses and skip the sugar in any condiments you use.
• Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chopped Italian Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold when going into the oven.

Q: How do I store leftover sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Chopped Italian Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Q: What other condiments can I serve with these sliders?
In addition to marinara sauce, you can serve these sliders with Italian dressing, pesto sauce, or even a side of garlic aioli for dipping.

Q: Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, feel free to substitute provolone with mozzarella, fontina, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also use a combination of cheeses for extra creaminess.

These Chopped Italian Sliders are the perfect blend of savory Italian deli meats, tangy toppings, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft rolls and baked to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a fun family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and condiments, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite!