These Chopped Italian Sliders are small sandwiches full of tasty flavors! With layers of pepperoni, salami, and tasty cheese, they are perfect for a party or a fun family dinner.
They disappear quickly at my house—it’s hard to stop at just one! To make it even better, I like to serve them with some crispy veggies on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, making them perfect for sliders. If you’re looking for something less sweet, you could use regular dinner rolls or even mini hamburger buns.
Ground Meat: Choose either ground beef for a classic taste or Italian sausage for added flavor. If you’re going meatless, try using cooked lentils or chickpeas mixed with your seasonings for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheeses: Provolone has a nice flavor that melts well, but if you can’t find it, mozzarella or even pepper jack for a kick will work. You can also leave out cheese for a dairy-free version.
Peppers: Red bell peppers add color and sweetness, but feel free to swap in green bell peppers or omit them altogether if you don’t like them.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Patties Evenly?
Cooking the patties evenly is key to ensure they’re fully cooked and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook in batches: Avoid crowding the skillet to cook them evenly. This helps them brown nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure, cooking ground meat to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) ensures it’s safe to eat.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the patties sit for a couple of minutes before assembling the sliders. This allows juices to redistribute.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked sliders ready to impress your guests or your family.
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls or soft dinner rolls
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni
- 1/2 cup finely chopped salami
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 40 minutes, with approximately 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes for cooking and baking. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up these delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Rolls:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, slice the Hawaiian slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a base for your sliders.
2. Mixing the Meat:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the finely chopped pepperoni, salami, red bell pepper, onion, roasted red peppers (if using), minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, so all those flavors get combined.
3. Shaping the Patties:
Now, form your meat mixture into 12 small patties that are about the same size as the rolls. This will help them fit perfectly in the sliders.
4. Cooking the Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and golden brown. You can check with a meat thermometer, aiming for 160°F (71°C) if you want to be sure!
5. Assembling the Sliders:
Once the patties are done, place them evenly on top of the bottom halves of the slider rolls in the baking dish. Now, place half a slice of provolone cheese on each patty—yummy!
6. Adding the Top and Brushing:
Next, cover the patties with the top halves of the slider rolls. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this delicious mixture generously over the tops of the sliders to add flavor and a nice golden color.
7. Baking:
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once they are done baking, take the sliders out and sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh touch. Serve them warm, and if you want, have some marinara or hot sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chopped Italian Sliders!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning a bit since turkey has a milder flavor.
How Do I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
For vegetarian sliders, use a combination of cooked lentils, black beans, or finely chopped mushrooms instead of meat. You can also add more veggies to enhance the flavor!
Can I Make the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the tops get a bit hard, you can add a splash of water and cover them to steam a bit.
