Italian Grinder Sliders (2024)

These Italian Grinder Sliders are a flavor-packed mini version of the classic grinder sandwich that you can whip up in just 30 minutes! It starts with sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with layers of deli meats and melty cheese topped with a savory glaze that adds an irresistible touch. But we’re not stopping there! Take it up a notch with a homemade grinder salad topping featuring a tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with the sweet roll. It’s a flavor explosion you don’t want to miss!

Hot Italian Sliders – The EASY Way!

I’m thrilled to share these incredible Italian sliders on Hawaiian sweet rolls because they have become a personal favorite. They seem to be a hit for any occasion, whether a lively gathering or a casual family dinner.

Italian grinder sliders are incredibly easy to prepare so that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring every bite with your loved ones or mingling with your guests. These mouthwatering sliders combine simplicity and irresistible flavors in the most delightful way possible!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

• Perfect for any occasion. They make a fun and tasty party appetizer, a great family-friendly dinner, or even a delicious option for lunch or brunch.
• Mini Size, Big Flavor. These pull-apart Italian sub sliders are made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, adding sweetness to each bite. Despite their small size, they are packed with all the flavors you love in a traditional grinder sandwich.
• Fun for Everyone. The sliders are just the right size for little hands, making them a hit with kids. They’re also great for adults who want to indulge in various flavors without committing to a full-sized sandwich.
• Irresistible Glaze. The glaze on top of these Italian cold cut sliders adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust when baked. The combination of butter, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt is mouthwatering.
• Scalable– You can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a crowd, or even cut it in half to just feed a couple.

Recipe Notes

This Italian sliders recipe is as simple as promised! Just 30 minutes for a family friendly meal or quick and easy appetizer.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Italian Grinder Sliders to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

• Hawaiian rolls – These sweet and fluffy rolls provide the perfect base for the sliders. You can also substitute small dinner rolls or slider buns.
• Sliced ham – Choose your favorite thinly sliced ham, such as honey or black forest ham. If you prefer a different deli meat, you can substitute it with turkey, roast beef, or even chicken.
• Provolone cheese – Provolone cheese adds a rich and slightly tangy flavor to the sliders. If you’re not a fan of provolone, you can use Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella as a substitution.
• Pepperoni – Pepperoni provides a bold and savory taste to the sliders. If you prefer a milder option, you can replace it with cooked bacon.
• Salami – Salami adds a rich and slightly spicy flavor to the sliders. Other Italian cold cuts like sliced pastrami, corned beef, or any other cured deli meat will work as well.

For the glaze

• Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create a golden brown crust. You can use olive oil or a non-dairy butter substitute if you prefer a different fat.
• Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory flavor to the glaze. You can use grated Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses if you don’t have parmesan.
• Garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the glaze. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute it with minced garlic cloves.
• Salt – Salt is essential for flavoring the glaze. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

For the grinder salad topping

• Shredded lettuce – Iceberg is traditional here and what I choose to use. You can do a romaine for a little sturdier green, or shredded cabbage or a coleslaw mix is also delicious if you prefer a crunchier texture.
• Tomato – Fresh and ripe tomatoes add juiciness and brightness to the salad. You can use halved cherry tomatoes or diced roma or beefsteak tomatoes.
• Pepperoncini peppers – Pepperoncini peppers provide a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the salad. Or try it with sliced banana peppers in mild if you prefer a milder option.
• Mayonnaise – The mayo serves as the base for the dressing and adds creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise.
• Red wine vinegar – Red wine vinegar provides tanginess and acidity to the dressing. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, try subbing with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning blend adds a flavorful herbiness to the dressing. You can use a store bought variety or a homemade Italian seasoning blend.
• Salt and pepper

Recipe Tips

1. Layer the meats and cheese. When layering the ham, pepperoni, and salami, distribute them evenly across the sliders so each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
2. Place the cheese at the bottom of the sliders under the meat. Adding the cheese at the bottom acts as a barrier between the bread and the meat, helping to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. More so, it makes it easy to lift off the top bread layer when adding the salad without disturbing the meat and cheese layers.
3. Glaze for extra flavor. The buttery cheese glaze adds even more flavor to the sliders. Be generous when spreading it on top of the rolls for a savory, crisp top.
4. Prepare the grinder salad last. Tossing the grinder salad with the dressing right before serving is best to prevent the sliders from becoming soggy. The extra moisture from the salad could make the sliders lose their crispy texture if they sit too long.
5. Customize the dressing. Adjust the dressing for the grinder salad as you like. Add a little sugar to balance the flavors if you prefer a less tangy dressing, although I love how the tanginess of the dressing balances with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls!
6. Double the recipe for larger gatherings. This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re hosting a party or have a larger group to feed. Simply adjust the quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish. A 9×13 baking dish fits 24 sliders perfectly.

Recipe Short Cuts

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!

• Make-ahead sandwich assembly. You can prepare the slider sandwiches in advance by layering the meats and cheese, then covering and refrigerating them. When ready to bake, brush the glaze and pop them in the oven.
• Pre-made dressing. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making the dressing from scratch. Look for a high-quality option with a flavor profile you enjoy.
• Serve cold as a make-ahead option. If you prefer a cold slider option or need to prepare them in advance for a picnic or lunchbox, these Italian Grinder Sliders can also be served chilled. Assemble the sliders as instructed and refrigerate, reserving the glaze until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together, and the sliders will be a refreshing and convenient option for on-the-go meals or outdoor gatherings.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Italian Turkey Sliders. Replace the ham with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter option. You can use either roasted turkey breast or deli-style turkey slices. The rest of the recipe remains the same, including the provolone cheese, pepperoni, salami, and glaze. The combination of turkey and Italian flavors will give these sliders a delicious twist.
• Spicy Grinder Sliders. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a kick to your sliders by incorporating sliced jalapenos or banana peppers along with the other deli meats. These spicy additions will bring some zing to your sliders, balancing the flavors of the meats and cheese.
• Mediterranean Sliders. Give the sliders a Mediterranean twist by replacing the Hawaiian rolls with mini ciabatta or focaccia rolls. Instead of the glaze, drizzle the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle them with dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese. Layer the deli meats, provolone cheese, and a few slices of roasted red peppers on the rolls, and proceed with baking. This variation will add a Mediterranean flair to your sliders.

Baked Italian Sliders Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making these delicious mini Italian grinder sandwiches, they save and reheat heat perfectly! But only if you don’t add the salad topping. Unfortunately, once the salad is added to the sandwich, it won’t save very well because of the added moisture it adds. If you think you will only eat part of the recipe, it’s best not to dress some of the sliders with the salad. Then, you can refrigerate or freeze them and reheat them later with a fresh salad topping.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

• in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• in the freezer up to a month

More Sandwich Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my sandwich recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

• Steak and Mushroom Sub
• Chopped Brisket with Spicy Slaw
• Italian Turkey Meatball Sub
• Roast Beef Sliders
• Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Leave a Reply

1. Ann Goodwin

   May 30, 2024

   
   Super Great, We love them !!

   Reply

2. Missy

   April 29, 2024

   
   My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe! I changed it a bit for us. I didn’t have any red wine vinegar so I used Italian dressing. Very tasty! And I used provolone and Swiss cheeses. This recipe goes into the line up for our menu!!! Thank you!

   Reply

3. Michelle

   April 15, 2024

   
   These are amazing! I have made an Italian sandwich before and it was nothing like this. Super simple. Super delicious. I had most of the ingredients in the pantry. Thank you!

   Reply