Hot Italian Sub Sliders (Pork-Free!)

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing handheld warm, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with layers of smoked beef, beef salami, and beef pepperoni to keep them 100% pork-free. Whether you need food ideas for potlucks, easy food to bring to tailgate, or fun gameday lunch ideas, these sliders never fail. They’re quick to assemble, feed a crowd, and work perfectly for group gathering food ideas, easy work party food ideas, or even tailgate food for kids thanks to their soft rolls and gooey cheese.

These sliders also make great appetizers for guys night, host lunch ideas, and are a perfect addition to Slider Sunday recipes.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients List

Slider Build

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 8 slices smoked beef (ham substitute)
  • 8 slices beef salami
  • 12–16 slices beef pepperoni
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 slices mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced banana peppers
  • ½ cup sliced red onion (optional)

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Baking dish
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowl (for butter topping)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the rolls
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally; keep tops and bottoms intact.
  2. Layer the meats (pork-free substitutions)
    • Arrange smoked beef slices over the bottom rolls.
    • Add beef salami in an even layer.
    • Add beef pepperoni for a classic Italian flavor.
  3. Add cheese + toppings
    • Layer provolone and mozzarella.
    • Add banana peppers and red onions for tangy flavor.
  4. Replace the roll tops
    • Place the top layer of rolls back over the sliders.
  5. Make garlic butter topping
    • Mix melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
    • Brush generously over the tops.
  6. Bake
    • Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until golden and melty.
  7. Serve hot
    • Slice and enjoy! Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or casual hosting.

Pro Tips

  1. Make ahead:
    Build sliders up to 24 hours ahead; bake when ready.
  2. Kid-friendly version:
    Omit banana peppers for mild flavor.
  3. Extra melty cheesiness:
    Add shredded mozzarella between layers.
  4. Crispy top option:
    Broil the sliders for the final 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition Table

(Per 1 slider)

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 slider31014g24g16g1g5g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. This recipe is provided for informational purposes only. Always verify ingredient labels, especially for allergies or dietary needs.

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Hot Italian Sub Sliders (Pork-Free)

These hot Italian sub sliders are layered with smoked beef, beef salami, and beef pepperoni for a delicious pork-free twist. They’re perfect for food ideas for potlucks, gameday lunch ideas, and easy work party food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12-count), sliced horizontally
  • 6 oz smoked beef slices
  • 4 oz beef salami
  • 4 oz beef pepperoni
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup banana peppers, drained
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking dish (9×13)
  • Pastry brush
  • Serrated knife
  • mixing bowl
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
  2. Layer smoked beef, salami, pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella, banana peppers, and onions evenly over rolls.
  3. Place top halves of rolls on top. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush over tops.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.

Notes

Use beef-based deli meats to keep this pork-free.
Great for parties, potlucks, and meal prep.
Customize with different cheeses or spicy peppers.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

These Hot Italian Sub Sliders are the ultimate go-to for hosting — warm, melty, savory, and unbelievably easy to throw together. Whether you need tailgate food, potluck recipes, quick work party ideas, or a delicious slider Sunday treat, this recipe feeds a crowd beautifully and always disappears fast.

FAQs

Can I make these pork-free?

Yes this recipe already uses smoked beef, beef pepperoni, and beef salami.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely just use two baking dishes.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss work great.