Whip up these irresistible Italian Sub Sliders for your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes! Combining classic deli flavors with the convenience of slider size, these are a surefire hit for any picnic or party, and they only take 15 minutes to make.
Slide into flavor with these Italian Sandwich Sliders, the perfect addition to any picnic, lunchbox, or tailgating party. With the savory flavors of salami, pepperoni, and ham with delicious provolone cheese, these sliders are a miniature take on the classic Italian sub.
Layered with fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and shredded lettuce, and finished with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a drizzle of sub dressing, they capture all the flavors of an Italian sub in a sandwich that’s just a few bites. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family picnic, or just need a quick and satisfying snack, these sliders are designed to be both delicious and convenient.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need to whip up something everyone will love with minimal fuss. They disappear fast! Find out how to make them below.
Psst… you’ll also love these easy wrap recipes if you’re looking for quick lunches.
Ingredients for Italian Sandwich Sliders
This section is meant to provide an overview of the ingredients required for the recipe. For specific amounts and instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Slider Buns — Slider buns are just a bit bigger than the sweet Hawaiian rolls, but you can use either for this recipe.
- Meats — Pepperoni, salami, and ham — the Italian trifecta! You can use the larger pepperoni sandwich slices if you’d like, but we generally find the regular sized ones to be cheaper overall.
- Provolone Cheese — This is our favorite with the meats selected, but feel free to sub your own favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar.
- Veggies — Tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. We sliced the onions and tomatoes and shredded the lettuce, but you can chop them all together, if you prefer.
- Italian Seasoning
- Submarine Dressing — You can find it at most stores, but if you don’t have it in yours, you can find it on Amazon or make your own with olive oil, red wine vinegar, seasonings, and a few other ingredients.
How to Make Cold Italian Sub Sliders
This section provides a brief overview of the instructions but the steps are not detailed. For exact step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Slice the tomatoes and onions. Chop the lettuce.
Step 2: Cut the slider buns in half through the middle using a bread knife. Do this with 2 6-packs (or 12) slider buns.
Step 3: Place the bottoms of the buns in a tray or baking dish. Top with salami.
Step 4: Top with pepperoni slices.
Step 5: Add provolone cheese.
Step 6: Add the ham.
Steps 7-9: Add the tomato slices, onion slices, and chopped lettuce.
Steps 10-12: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and drizzle with submarine dressing. Add the tops to the buns. You’re done! Take a bite and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Italian hoagie sliders with your favorite sides like potato chips, caprese pasta salad, potato salad, or a crisp side salad.
Storage and Freezing
Store sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you know you’ll be storing them for more than a few hours, wait until right before serving to add the veggies, seasoning, and submarine dressing.
Tips and Tricks
- Toast the Buns: If you prefer a bit of crunch, lightly toast the inside of the buns before layering on your ingredients. This adds texture and helps prevent the sliders from getting soggy from the dressing and tomato juices.
- Secure the Sliders: Use toothpicks or small skewers to help keep each slider together, especially if you’re serving them at a gathering. This makes them easier to handle and eat.
- Prep Ahead: Get a jump start on making these cold sliders by slicing all your veggies the night before. You can also make the sliders up to a few hours in advance, cover them tightly in the refrigerator, and then add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Serve Dressing on the Side: To cater to different tastes and to keep the sliders from getting soggy if they sit out at a party, serve the submarine dressing on the side. Guests can add as much or as little as they like.
Additions and Variations
Butter the Rolls: For extra flavor, brush the tops of your slider rolls with melted butter before assembling. You can even sprinkle a little parmesan on top for more flavor.
Variety of Meats: While the recipe calls for salami, pepperoni, and ham, feel free to experiment with other cured meats like sopressata or prosciutto for different flavors.
Cheese Options: Provolone is great, but you can use mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp provolone for a deeper flavor profile. Layering different cheeses is a great option, too.
Add More Veggies: Boost that flavor with some pepperoncini peppers or olives!
Swap the Dressing: Not a fan of submarine dressing? Swap it for Italian dressing instead (but leave out the Italian seasoning if you do).
Chopped Italian Sliders FAQ
Can I make Italian Sub Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders several hours in advance; just add the dressing right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
What are the best rolls to use for these cold sandwich sliders?
Slider buns work best for this recipe, but sweet Hawaiian rolls are fine, too, though they’re a little smaller. Small burger buns are a great option as well, or you could use sub buns to make larger sandwiches.
More Delicious Slider Recipes
Want more sandwich options for your game day parties, picnics, and lunches? Here are some of our favorites!
Cold Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 8 slices genoa salami
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 8 slices ham
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- ½ medium onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups lettuce shredded
- 1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp submarine dressing
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and onion.
- Slice the entire package of rolls in half using one cut.
- Put the bottom layer of rolls on a tray or in a pan.
- Layer the genoa salami slices, pepperoni slices, and ham.
- Top the meat layer with provolone cheese slices.
- Next top with tomato slices, onion slices, and shredded lettuce.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning all over the sliders.
- Drizzle with submarine dressing.
- Put the top layer of rolls on.
- Cut into 12 sections and serve.
Nutrition
