Cheesy Italian Grinder Sliders – The Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Cheesy Italian Grinder Sliders are about to become your new go-to recipe. Packed with layers of savory deli meats, melty cheese, zesty seasonings, and soft, buttery slider rolls, this baked slider recipe delivers bold Italian-inspired flavor in every bite.

Perfect for game day, family gatherings, potlucks, holiday spreads, or even a fun weeknight dinner, these Italian grinder sliders combine the classic flavors of a traditional Italian sub with the ease and convenience of mini sandwiches. They’re warm, cheesy, slightly crispy on top, and irresistibly satisfying.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these cheesy baked sliders perfectly every time.

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What Are Italian Grinder Sliders?

An Italian grinder is a hearty sub sandwich traditionally layered with Italian deli meats like salami, ham, and pepperoni, along with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a tangy dressing. The term “grinder” is commonly used in the Northeastern United States to describe a hot or toasted sub.

These hot Italian sandwich sliders take that classic concept and transform it into pull-apart mini sandwiches baked together in a dish. The result? A melty, golden-topped tray of sliders that are easy to serve and even easier to devour.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect party slider recipe for feeding a crowd
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Customizable with your favorite Italian meats and cheeses
• Crispy, buttery tops with gooey melted cheese inside
• Ready in under 40 minutes

These sliders strike the perfect balance between comfort food and elevated appetizer.

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Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 12 soft slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)
• 8 slices deli ham
• 12 slices Genoa salami
• 12 slices pepperoni
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Grinder Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Buttery Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Rolls

Without separating the rolls individually, slice the entire slab of slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.

3. Layer the Meats and Cheese

Layer the ham evenly over the rolls. Add salami, then pepperoni. Top with provolone slices and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the meat.

4. Add Fresh Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread a thin layer over the cheese. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion evenly.

5. Top with Rolls

Place the top half of the slider rolls over the layered filling.

6. Brush with Buttery Topping

Mix melted butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and poppy seeds. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.

7. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until tops are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.

8. Rest and Serve

Let sliders rest for 5 minutes. Slice along the roll lines and serve warm.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Italian Grinder Sliders

Don’t Skip the Foil Step

Covering the sliders initially prevents the tops from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt evenly.

Use High-Quality Deli Meats

Since this recipe relies on simple ingredients, quality matters. Freshly sliced deli meats make a noticeable difference.

Balance Moisture

If adding tomatoes and lettuce before baking, pat tomatoes dry slightly to prevent sogginess.

Make Ahead Option

Assemble sliders up to 6 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add butter topping just before baking.

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Variations to Try

Spicy Italian Sliders

Add sliced banana peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot capicola for extra heat.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add sliced mozzarella or fontina cheese for ultra-gooey results.

Low-Carb Option

Use low-carb rolls or serve filling baked in a casserole dish without bread.

Vegetarian Italian Sliders

Replace meats with grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes.

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Serving Suggestions

These easy Italian appetizers pair beautifully with:

• Pasta salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic parmesan fries
• Tomato basil soup
• Antipasto platter
• Sparkling lemonade or iced tea

For parties, serve them alongside other finger foods for a complete spread.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Fun Fact: The Grinder Legacy

The Italian grinder has roots in Italian-American communities in New England. The name “grinder” likely came from dock workers who had to “grind” through crusty bread rolls. Over time, toasted versions became especially popular, leading to baked adaptations like these sliders.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Italian Grinder Sliders are everything you want in a party sandwich: warm, melty, savory, and bursting with Italian flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Once you make this party slider recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent favorite in your rotation.