If you’re searching for the perfect combination of bold Italian flavors, gooey melted cheese, and buttery toasted rolls, look no further than Cheesy Italian Grinder Sliders. These irresistible baked sandwich sliders take everything you love about a classic Italian grinder (also known as a hoagie or sub) and transform it into a shareable, oven-baked masterpiece that’s ideal for parties, game day, holidays, or even a cozy family dinner.

Loaded with layers of savory deli meats, provolone and mozzarella cheese, tangy peppers, and a buttery herb glaze, these sliders are baked until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling through the sides. They’re rich, satisfying, and shockingly easy to make—no fancy techniques, no complicated prep, just pure comfort food magic.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want something indulgent and satisfying, these cheesy Italian sliders deliver every time.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Grinder Sliders

• Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Deli meats and store-bought rolls make prep fast.
• Perfect for Parties – Easy to assemble, bake, and slice into portions.
• Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or add veggies to fit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
• Crowd Favorite – Kids and adults both devour them.

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 slices salami
6 slices pepperoni
6 slices ham
½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
¼ cup banana pepper rings
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Butter Topping

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating them individually.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish.
Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard evenly over the rolls.
Layer provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, ham, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, then mozzarella cheese.
Place the top half of the rolls over the layered fillings.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan, and parsley.
Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Sliders

• Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Don’t skip the foil stage—it helps melt the cheese evenly.
• Add shredded lettuce and tomato after baking for crunch.
• Let sliders rest before cutting for cleaner slices.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Spicy Grinder Sliders – Add crushed red pepper flakes and spicy giardiniera.
• Chicken Parmesan Sliders – Swap deli meats for breaded chicken + marinara.
• Vegetarian Version – Use grilled zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• Extra Cheesy – Add shredded Italian blend inside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with:
• Crispy fries
• Caesar salad
• Pasta salad
• Pickles or olives
• Iced tea or sparkling lemonade

They’re perfect for:
✔ Game day
✔ Birthday parties
✔ Family movie night
✔ Potlucks
✔ Holiday appetizers

Fun Fact: Why “Grinder”?

The term grinder is a New England name for a long Italian-style sandwich—believed to come from the “grinding” motion of chewing crusty bread. These sliders take that classic grinder flavor and shrink it into bite-sized comfort food perfection.