The Best Italian Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe (2024)

What do I need to make Italian Sliders?

• Hawaiian rolls – Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal for making sliders. I used a package of 12 rolls. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, you can double this recipe and use a party-pack of 24 rolls.
• Jarred pesto sauce – you can find pesto sauce near the other pasta sauces in the grocery store.
• Capocolla ham – this is a spicy Italian ham. You’ll likely find pre-packaged Capocolla in the deli section of the grocery store. If you cannot find it, feel free to substitute a regular sliced deli ham or prosciutto.
• Pepperoni – I used an uncured pepperoni, but feel free to use any pepperoni that your store offers.
• Sliced Hard Salami – your deli section will typically offer sliced hard salami either pre-packaged or sliced to order at the deli counter.
• Sliced Provolone Cheese – can also be found prepackaged or sliced to order at the deli counter.
• Jarred roasted red peppers – these can be found near the olives and pickles in the grocery store.
• Jarred Mild Banana Pepper rings – these are also labeled as Pepperoncini peppers. I recommend selecting a jar of sliced peppers.

Toppings for this Italian slider recipe:

• Butter – the butter will be melted and brushed on top of the sweet rolls.
• Garlic – feel free to use jarred minced garlic or mince your own garlic cloves.
• Italian herbs – also known as Italian seasoning, its the perfect spice to go on top of the Italian sliders.
• Grated parmesan cheese – a sprinkle of parmesan on top of the Hawaiian sweet rolls is the perfect topping.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!

Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations for this Italian Sliders recipe:

• Spicy Capocolla ham – if you cannot find Capocolla, you can substitute regular deli ham or prosciutto.
• Pesto sauce – pesto is a fantastic savory sauce that compliments these sliders perfectly. However, you could also use a basic olive oil sandwich sauce.
• Cheese – I used a sliced provolone cheese, however, you could also do a thick layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!

Frequently asked questions about making sliders:

• 1 (12-roll pack) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 4 oz. Capocolla ham thinly sliced
• 4 oz. Pepperoni sliced
• 4 oz. Hard salami sliced
• 6 slices Provolone cheese sliced
• 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers sliced
• 1/4 cup jarred yellow banana peppers sliced

Slider Toppings:

• 2 Tablespoons butter melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced (can use jarred minced garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Set aside.

• Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the packaging. Slice the rolls horizontally with a bread knife. (No need to separate the rolls individually. The assembly works much better when there is a single piece of bottom bread and top bread.) Set aside the top portion of the bread.

• Place the bottom portion of the bread onto the lined pan. Spoon on the pesto sauce and spread it evenly over the bread with a spoon. Add on the invididual slices of the Capocolla ham into an even layer over the pesto sauce. Do the same with all of the pepperoni slices. Layer on the slices of salami over the top of the pepperoni. Add on the slices of cheese. Sprinkle the yellow and red peppers in an even layer over the top of the cheese.

• Bake the bottom portion of the bread with the meats, cheese and peppers for 8-10 minutes.

• While the meat and cheese bake, mix together the topping. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning.

• Remove the bottom portion of the sliders from the oven. Place the top portion of the slider rolls over the top of the hot meats and cheese. Brush the tops of the slider rolls with the melted butter mixture using a sauce brush. Sprinkle the tops of the buttered rolls with the Parmesan Cheese.

• Bake the sliders for an additional 3-5 minutes to toast the top of the bread.

• Serve the sliders while still warm. Enjoy with additional pesto sauce for dipping, if desired.