Chopped Italian Sliders are tiny sandwiches filled with tasty deli meats, cheeses, and Italian seasonings. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or game days!
These little bites are like mini flavor explosions! I love serving them with a side of marinara for dipping—because who doesn’t love a good dip? 😋
Plus, they come together quickly, which is great when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Just stack, bake, and enjoy the compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This is the heart of your sliders! You can use all Italian sausage for a true flavor punch or mix half sausage with ground beef if you’re looking for a milder taste. Turkey sausage is a great lighter option, too!
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls are perfect here. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, whole wheat slider buns work well—just note they might be a bit denser.
Pepperoni: Chopped pepperoni adds zing! For a twist, you could use salami or even a vegetarian pepperoni if you want to keep it meat-free.
Cheese: Provolone is my go-to for its melting quality. Mozzarella or even cheddar would also work nicely if you want a different flavor. Just keep the cheese choices melty!
How Do You Make Sure Your Sliders Are Perfectly Baked?
The key to perfect sliders is all in the baking. To avoid dry buns, keep an eye on your bake time. You want them golden on top but soft on the inside. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. This keeps them moist and adds a nice flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch closely near the end; you want the cheese to be bubbly but not burnt!
Let them rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the cheese to set a bit before cutting them apart.
Enjoy making and sharing your Chopped Italian Sliders! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and so simple to whip up.
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients:
- Slider Buns: 12 small soft rolls
- Meat: 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
- Pepperoni: 1/2 cup chopped, finely
- Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Vegetables: 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Heat: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Cheese: 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sea Salt: for topping
- Dipping Sauce: Optional marinara sauce
Time Needed:
This delicious slider recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders bake evenly and become perfectly golden. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the ground Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. As it cooks, make sure to break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off. This step adds tons of flavor!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage, chopped pepperoni, fresh parsley, green bell pepper (if you’re using it), garlic powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined!
4. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally in half. Keep the tops and bottoms together to make assembling easier. Place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Then, layer half slices of provolone cheese on top of the sausage for that melty goodness!
6. Add the Top Buns:
Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese. It’s starting to come together nicely!
7. Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this delicious mixture generously over the tops of the buns. Finally, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top for extra flavor.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Now, pop the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and for the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut between the buns to separate each slider. Serve warm, and don’t forget the marinara sauce on the side for dipping—it’s a must!
Enjoy your flavorful and savory Chopped Italian Sliders that are perfect for any gathering! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone! 🎉
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well with Italian spices to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage!
Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground sausage and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Add some extra cheese for a delicious flavor boost!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in the oven, or pop them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the sausage mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days prior to baking. Just assemble the sliders and bake them when you’re ready to serve.