These Chopped Italian Sliders are perfect little sandwiches packed with flavor! They feature tasty meats, melty cheese, and zesty dressing all piled between soft buns. Yum!
Honestly, these sliders are a huge hit at parties and make snack time extra fun. I love how easy they are to grab and munch on while chatting with friends! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using brioche buns for their soft texture and slight sweetness. If you can’t find brioche, any soft slider or dinner rolls will do. You can even use whole grain options for a healthier twist!
Deli Meats: Salami, pepperoni, and ham give the sliders their classic Italian flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken slices. Vegetarian? Use sautéed mushrooms or marinated artichokes instead!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that stretchy cheese pull! If you want to switch it up, provolone or fontina also work well. And for a bit of sharpness, add some Parmesan either in the mix or as a topping.
Tomato Sauce: I use Italian tomato sauce for its rich flavor. If homemade isn’t an option, any marinara works! You can even use pesto for a unique twist, adding a different flavor dimension to the sliders.
How Do You Caramelize Those Onions for Added Flavor?
Finely chopped onions can elevate the taste of these sliders if you take a moment to caramelize them. It’s simple but does need some patience. Here’s how to do it:
- In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add your chopped onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and golden brown. This will bring out their sweet flavor!
These caramelized onions can be stirred into your meat mixture for extra depth in flavor—definitely worth the little extra effort!
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft, brioche-style preferred)
- 6 oz thinly sliced salami
- 6 oz thinly sliced pepperoni
- 6 oz thinly sliced ham or cappicola
- 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Italian tomato sauce or marinara
For the Topping and Dressing:
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sliders are perfectly baked and gooey when they’re done.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Slice the slider buns horizontally in half, making sure to keep them connected in a 3×4 grid. This makes it easy to assemble and bake them all at once!
3. Chop the Meats:
Finely chop the salami, pepperoni, and ham into small pieces. Combine all the chopped meats in a bowl, ready to layer in the sliders.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is going to add a delightful flavor boost!
5. Combine the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the chopped meats, Italian tomato sauce, finely chopped red onion, and half of your fresh herbs. Drizzle the dressing over this mixture and combine it all well.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
On a baking sheet or shallow pan, place the bottom half of the slider buns. Spread the meat mixture evenly across these buns, making sure every slider gets some tasty filling.
7. Add the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture, giving each slider a nice cheesy layer.
8. Top the Sliders:
Gently place the top half of the slider buns back on top of the cheese, completing your slider masterpiece.
9. Bake:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are just slightly toasted.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Take the sliders out of the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top along with the remaining fresh herbs. If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
11. Cut and Serve:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut between each slider to separate them. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Chopped Italian Sliders!
These sliders are a fantastic way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a fun and easy way—perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat filling and assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and adjust the baking time as needed, potentially adding a few extra minutes if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
Can I Use Different Meats or Make It Vegetarian?
Yes, feel free to customize the meats! You can substitute any combination of meats, such as turkey or roast beef. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even a mix of different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a flavorful twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty.
Can I Freeze the Sliders?
Yes! You can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap them well in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, just remove from the freezer, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bake as directed.
